Sleep apnea treatment in Miami, Florida

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous disorder that is the cessation of breathing during sleep, a common problem that affects adults and children. If you believe you have this disorder, talk to your primary care physician to take part in a sleep study that may confirm the diagnosis. If your doctor determines you have the disorder, don’t lose any sleep over the diagnosis – there are several treatments available that can help.

For example, you may be surprised to learn that your dentist can be part of the solution to a peaceful night’s sleep. Some people find the traditional treatment, a CPAP mask, uncomfortable or difficult to use. That is when your doctor may refer you to Towncare Dental of West Kendall. Our dentist, familiar with the latest methods to treat sleep apnea, has completed extensive training and is ready help you with find a restful night’s sleep thanks to Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).

If you think this could help you, find out how our dentist in Miami can treat your sleep disorder by calling us today at (305) 403-9348.

What Occurs If Sleep Apnea Remains Untreated?

If a good night’s sleep eludes you, you need to seek a diagnosis and treatment. The disorder interrupts your rest by causing your breathing to stop and start multiple times a night, often because your airway becomes blocked. Obstructions include your tongue, excess tissue in the throat, obesity, nasal blockage, or an enlarged tonsil and/or uvula.

These interruptions can lower the body’s oxygen levels, prompting the brain to force you awake to take a breath. This potentially dangerous disorder can interrupt your sleep dozens or hundreds of times each night, leaving your more tired when that alarm rings in the morning.

If sleep apnea remains untreated, it can lead to more serious health concerns including:

• Stroke or heart attack
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Memory issues
• Lack of concentration

What Are Some Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

People who have sleep apnea also may experience symptoms such as fatigue, snoring, gasping for air, memory loss, weight gain, night sweats, poor concentration, indigestion and/or heartburn, headaches and sinus issues.

Do these symptoms apply to you? If so, speak with your primary care physician to determine the cause. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, ask your doctor if an Oral Appliance Therapy in Miami is the best treatment for you.

How Does Sleep Apnea Occur?

There are three types of sleep apnea. Only a doctor can determine which one you have:

• Obstructive sleep apnea is an airway blockage caused by a genetic abnormality such as extra tissue in the back of the tongue, throat or nose. This type of sleep apnea is typically helped by Oral Appliance Therapy.
• Central sleep apnea results when the brain doesn’t send proper signals to muscles responsible for breathing.
• Mixed sleep apnea (also called complex sleep apnea) is when both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea are present.

How Can My Dentist in Miami Help Me with Sleep Apnea?

Oral appliance therapy, also called OAT treatment, is used for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring caused by a repetitive airway obstruction. Our dentist at Towncare Dental of West Kendall may be able to correct obstructive sleep apnea by giving you with a custom-made oral appliance that is worn while you sleep. The oral appliance is similar to a sports mouthguard or a retainer and helps keep the airway open.

If the sleep disorder is caused by your tongue resting on the airway, a tongue-retaining device may correct the problem. If the sleep apnea is caused by how the jaw is positioned, then our dentist may be able to treat the problem with a device or headgear to adjust the jaw. All of the devices are removable and are only worn while sleeping.

People with severe sleep apnea are generally not ideal candidates for oral appliances because the treatment will not adequately treat their disorder. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the best care for those patients. If you have trouble wearing the CPAP mask or do not respond well to the CPAP treatment, consult your primary care physician or sleep specialist about other options.

Schedule a Sleep Apnea Treatment Consultation Today

Please contact our qualified dentist in Miami today for a sleep apnea treatment consultation. We look forward to helping you get a restful night’s sleep.