Sleep Apnea Treatment Glastonbury
Stop Snoring & Get the Rest You Deserve
Do you feel tired all the time? Does your partner complain that you often snore? It is possible that you have sleep apnea, a dangerous medical condition that can rob you of rest and increase your risk of several serious health problems. The good news is that in most cases, sleep apnea is fairly easy to treat. Read on below to learn about how our team offers advanced services that can help you stop snoring and get the rest you deserve.
Why Choose Glastonbury Dental Associates for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Comfortable & Conservative Oral Appliances
- Effective Alternative to CPAP Machine
- Knowledgeable & Caring Dental Team
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in a person’s breathing while they are asleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when tissues in the throat block the upper airway. People with OSA are likely to snore loudly, wake up with a headache or sore throat, feel tired all the time, and sometimes wake up gasping for air.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a less common condition that occurs when the brain does not send proper breathing signals to the body during sleep. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of OSA and CSA.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
At first, sleep apnea might seem like little more than an annoyance. However, it can lead to some serious consequences if it remains untreated:
- You may be at a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia. In fact, untreated sleep apnea is often cited as a contributing factor to early death.
- Sleep apnea tends to make its victims very tired, so you could face an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.
- Your emotional and mental health, as well as your relationships with others, could suffer. For example, sleep apnea can lead to sexual dysfunction, so it could negatively affect intimacy with your partner.
At-Home Sleep Testing
Our team works closely with a local sleep center to provide our patients with at-home sleep testing, so you can find out whether or not you can benefit from sleep apnea treatment in Glastonbury. This test will monitor your vitals as well as breathing patterns while you’re sleeping, allowing a sleep expert to establish any patterns and diagnose you with obstructive sleep apnea if you have it. From there, our team can help you navigate all of your treatment options, like oral appliance therapy.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
After you undergo a sleep test and receive an official diagnosis, you may be presented with a few different treatment options.
The most popular way to address OSA is a CPAP machine, which uses pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep. Sadly, many people find their CPAP to be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
Here at Glastonbury Dental Associates, we offer an alternative option. We can provide a custom oral appliance, which gently repositions the lower jaw in order to keep the airway open and allow for the free flow of oxygen. Unlike a CPAP, an oral appliance is highly portable, involves no masks or tubes, and is relatively comfortable.
Learn More About Oral Appliance Treatment
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
Since being overweight is a risk factor, losing weight can help. With that said, there is a chance that you can continue to have sleep apnea. For that reason, we recommend scheduling another sleep test to determine whether or not you still have the condition.
Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?
Yes. In fact, it’s estimated that upwards of 8% of children have sleep apnea. So, if your little one is struggling with sleep terrors, bed-wetting, hyperactivity, or learning problems, you shouldn’t hesitate to schedule a sleep study with a sleep doctor.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
Essential oils, weighted blankets, and spending less time on your phone before bed can certainly help you relax more. However, if you have sleep apnea, the airway needs to be opened in order to truly address the problem. The good news is that our team at Glastonbury Dental Associates offers both CPAP therapy and custom oral appliances. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested in learning more about either one!
How Should I Clean My Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance?
Since plaque, saliva, and other debris can accumulate on the surface, it’s important to clean your oral appliance regularly. When you wake up in the morning, take yours off and clean it gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Then, rinse it with clean, room-temperature water, pat it dry, and place it in its designated case.