Patients are often unaware that their dentist can help them manage their loud snoring. Loud snoring, also known as sleep apnea, occurs when the patient is unable to maintain a proper airway when they sleep. The soft tissues in the back of their throats are preventing them from breathing, causing them to snore or gasp for air in their sleep.
While patients are often unaware of their sleep apnea, their sleep partners or roommates are usually the first people to notice this concern. We understand how important it is for you and your loved ones to get a good night’s sleep every night. This is why we are happy to provide sleep apnea treatment services.
Learn more about how we help sleep apnea patients below.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Suffolk, VA
Dr. Steve Gwaltney, Dr. J.Ryland Gwaltney, and Dr. Whitney Gwaltney are highly-trained dentists in Suffolk, VA, offering many restorative dentistry treatments. They have helped many patients manage their sleep apnea symptoms and get back to getting a good night’s sleep. We are happy to help patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea concerns manage their symptoms using oral appliance therapy.
Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a night guard. The night guard is designed to be comfortable and snug so that you barely even notice it as you fall asleep. While you are asleep, the night guard will hold your mouth in a healthier resting position to ensure that you maintain a proper airway at all times. This prevents loud snoring and also prevents the long-term risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. It is very important that your breathing pattern is not disrupted while you sleep to ensure a good night’s rest.
Signs & Symptoms
Patients with sleep apnea often are unaware that they have this issue until a sleep partner or roommate brings it up to them. However, there are some things you can watch out for that may indicate that you have been snoring. These additional symptoms include:
- Waking up gasping for air
- Pauses in your breathing pattern during sleep
- Excessive daytime fatigue, which may cause you to fall asleep while you’re working, watching television, or even driving a vehicle
- Dry mouth, or dry throat in the mornings
- Depression, irritability, and mood swings
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
Mention any of these symptoms to your doctor when you arrive for a consultation. They will take all of this into consideration when diagnosing your issue and coming up with your treatment plan.
It’s important to remember that while snoring may seem like a minor issue, long-term sufferers of sleep apnea are at risk to develop major health concerns like cardiovascular problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. We advise all patients who think they may be snoring in their sleep to consult with their dentist at their upcoming dental appointment.
Sleep Apnea FAQ’s
Does sleep apnea happen every night?
Sleep apnea is a life-threatening condition. Sleep apnea patients frequently have pauses of 10 seconds or more in breathing throughout the night. This temporary cessation of breathing may occur as often as 400 times per night.
Does sleep apnea damage the brain?
Recurrent breathing interruptions during sleep characterize obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic disorder. These pauses in breathing can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. When oxygen levels drop too low, brain injury might occur. The effects of this injury manifest in forgetfulness, distractedness, and irritability.
What is a dangerously low oxygen level while sleeping?
Problems breathing or feeling short of breath while sleeping are symptoms of low blood oxygen levels. Sleep apnea is a common cause of this. Any drop in oxygen levels below 90% can be life-threatening.
Does sleep apnea go away?
Although there is no known treatment for sleep apnea, you can reduce the symptoms by making certain lifestyle adjustments and undergoing treatments and procedures.
What is the main cause of sleep apnea?
Obesity and excess weight are the most frequent causes of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. This connects to the soft tissue in your throat, and can cause the airway to become clogged when you’re sleeping.
Is sleep apnea caused by stress?
Stress can aggravate and intensify some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, but it does not directly cause it. People who suffer from sleep apnea generally have another issue that may be impacting their breathing. High stress levels can increase apneas, but stress cannot cause chronic apneas to occur.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
We are happy to help you manage your sleep apnea symptoms so that you can get back to getting a good night’s sleep. Our office will prioritize your care and ensure that you feel confident and informed every step of the way. With over 30 Years of Expertise in Dentistry, our doctors are equipped to provide you with a positive dental experience in Suffolk, VA.
Please schedule a sleep apnea consultation online, and we will look forward to seeing you very soon.