Conservative Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Improve Your Quality of Life
If you experience restless sleep, have been told you snore, wake with a gasping sensation, and lack of energy during the day, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Undiagnosed and untreated, you may be struggling through daily activities and even be at a higher risk for developing serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, in the future. Dr. Warren R. Gase can screen patients at his Cincinnati, OH, dental practice and provide a referral to a sleep specialist. Once you have a confirmed diagnosis, Dr. Gase can provide conservative sleep apnea treatment. Oral appliance therapy can open the airway and for many patients, effectively relieve their symptoms.
Defining Sleep Apnea
While there are two main types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. OSA occurs when the tissues at the back of the throat, including the tonsils and tongue, become relaxed, blocking the airway and interfering with your breathing.
Sleep apnea can negatively impact your quality of life and increase your risk for developing serious health conditions.
This significantly reduces your oxygen intake, which signals your brain to partially wake your body up to reopen the airway. This interruption in your sleep cycle can happen over 100 times every night.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
There are a variety of signs that may be indicative of sleep apnea including:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up with a sore or dry throat
- Fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Forgetfulness
While these symptoms may not seem significant on their own, if you are experiencing several of these warning signs, you should be seen by a doctor. Dr. Gase can refer you to a local sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis.
Why Seek Treatment?
In addition to fatigue and other daily annoyances, sleep apnea can increase your risk for developing serious health conditions. Some of these health issues include:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart attack
Managing your OSA can substantially improve your health and overall quality of life.
Oral Appliances & Other Treatments
There are a variety of methods available for treating OSA but Dr. Gase prefers oral appliance therapy. These customized mouthpieces fit over your teeth, similar to a sports mouthguard. Designed to shift the jaw slightly forward, the device opens the airway during sleep so you can breathe properly.
Dr. Gase will closely monitor you and evaluate the effectiveness of your appliance with periodic appointments. Throughout treatment, he will also maintain contact with your physicians to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your needs. If oral appliance therapy is not effective, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or oral surgery may be necessary.
Find Relief Today
Sleep apnea can cause you to feel constantly tired and unfocused, but treatment is available. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and find relief by contacting Dr. Gase online or calling us at (513) 931-3001.
