Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that can have serious consequences for your health. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It is estimated that one in four adults suffer from sleep apnea, and many of them are unaware of the risks. 

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it is important to see a doctor or visit a sleep lab for a diagnosis. Once the condition is confirmed, our Havelock, NC team can begin working with you to develop a care plan and design an oral appliance that is right for you. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can be effectively managed, reducing additional health risks and minimizing its effects.

If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea, we invite you to read the information below or contact our office with any questions. We will be happy to help you!

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Other symptoms include:

• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking up gasping for air
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue
• Trouble concentrating during the day

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a diagnosis as soon as possible. Your doctor can order a sleep study to determine if you have the condition. If you do have sleep apnea, our team will work with you to deliver effective treatment.

Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is more prevalent among patients with associated risk factors. These include the following classifications or conditions:

• People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop sleep apnea.
• Sleep apnea is often hereditary, and people with a family history of the condition are at an increased risk. 
• People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are also at increased risk. 
• Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, and older adults are more at risk than younger people. 
• Lastly, people with a large tongue or a small jaw are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea. 

If you have any of these risk factors, you should be sure to talk to your doctor about your chances of developing or currently suffering from the condition. It is estimated that up to 23.5 million adults in the United States suffer from sleep apnea, but have not been diagnosed.

Oral Appliance Therapy

If you have sleep apnea, you may be wondering if oral appliance therapy is an option for you. This treatment method involves wearing a custom-fitted mouthpiece during sleep. The mouthpiece helps keep your airway open so that you can breathe properly. This is done by either slightly repositioning the jaw, or supporting the tongue and preventing it from blocking the airway.

Oral appliance therapy is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. It is also a good option for people who prefer a less invasive treatment option than CPAP therapy. The oral appliance is comfortable and can begin providing relief immediately upon use.