Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can impact all aspects of your life. Often characterized by loud, persistent snoring, sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing pauses periodically during sleep, causing fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. Lack of sleep can affect your concentration, cause you to feel tired even after what seems to have been a full night’s sleep, and lead to serious health issues, including hypertension and heart disease. At Artistry in Dentistry in Erie, PA, we offer simple sleep apnea treatment using oral appliances to help patients breathe properly during sleep. Dr. Arlene Kubit can also work with a sleep specialist to diagnose your condition and coordinate treatments for more complex needs.
An oral appliance can help you to experience uninterrupted breathing and a good night's sleep.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. It occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, blocking the airways and causing pauses in breathing. Some of the typical symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud snoring
- Abrupt awakenings
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia, or difficulty staying asleep
- Issues with attention
- Irritability
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Chronic fatigue
Your bed partner may also notice pauses in your breathing during sleep or mention a periodic gasping or choking noises at night.
The other form of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea (CSA), is much rarer. It occurs when the brain cannot properly regulate breathing during sleep, and it requires a specialist's attention.
How to Diagnose Sleep Apnea
If you exhibit any of the common sleep apnea symptoms, Dr. Kubit will likely refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. During this appointment, the specialist monitors your breathing and keeps track of the number of times your breathing stops during sleep. Based on this information, the specialist can determine the severity of your sleep apnea. Dr. Kubit can then develop a treatment plan based on the type of sleep apnea you have and how severe it is.
Your Treatment Options
At Artistry in Dentistry, we focus on oral appliance therapy. The custom oral appliance brings the jaw slightly forward to keep your throat open during the night. There are a variety of sleep apnea appliances available. Dr. Kubit can work with you to find the device that results in the most comfortable night’s sleep.
Over time, the oxygen starvation associated with sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions, including heart diesease, high blood pressure, and mood and memory problems.
Oral appliances work best for mild to moderate sleep apnea. For some cases of sleep apnea, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is necessary to keep your airway passages open. Dr. Kubit can provide an oral appliance that works in conjunction with your CPAP for better results. If you have severe symptoms, Dr. Kubit may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT.
Stop Suffering, Start Sleeping
Over time, the oxygen starvation associated with sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions, including heart diesease, high blood pressure, and mood and memory problems. Our team at Artistry in Dentistry can help you address the issues associated with sleep apnea so you can enjoy a better night’s sleep and maintain your health. If you are concerned you have sleep apnea, or have already been diagnosed, contact our office online or call (814) 825-7373 to speak to a member of our team today.
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I have been a patient of Dr. Kubit's for over 20 years. She is the most skilled, professional and caring dentist I have ever encountered. I have referred many friends and family to Dr. Kubit. All have received excellent care by Dr. Kubit. She is truly one of a kind.
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