Sleep Apnea is a condition where the patient repeatedly stops and starts breathing while they sleep. It is a disease that affects the mood of the person due to sleep deprivation. It is important to treat sleep apnea at the earliest as it may lead to health conditions like heart disease, stroke or depression. At Tod Anderson DDS family and cosmetic dentistry, patients receive ideal treatment to help resolve sleep apnea.Â
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- A person who has Sleep Apnea tends to snore loudly while sleeping.
- It causes restless sleep or insomnia to patients.
- While sleeping, the patient may stop breathing for a while.
- The patient may gasp for air when they are asleep.Â
- The patient may experience fatigue, irritability and headaches.Â
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three major types of Sleep Apnea which have been provided as below.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
It is the most common type of Sleep Apnea experienced by people. The patient experiences a narrowed, blocked or floppy airway while they sleep.Â
- Central Sleep Apnea
If the patient does not breathe while sleeping, they may have central sleep apnea. The brain does not signal the respiratory system to breathe, which leads to central sleep apnea.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea
It is a type of Sleep Apnea where the patient experiences both obstructive and central sleep apnea symptoms.Â
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
The goal of treatments for sleep apnea is to make sure that the airway is not blocked during sleep.
- Nasal Decongestants
If the patient experiences mild sleep apnea, they are advised nasal decongestants that help to provide relief while sleeping.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is a therapy that dentists advise for patients who have sleep apnea. A facemask is attached to the nose while sleeping. It delivers airflow and keeps the airway open in sleep.
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP or BPAP)
It is a pressure machine that is used to treat sleep apnea. BiPAP has high and low settings that respond to the breathing pattern of the patient.Â
- Surgery
Dentists advise the removal of extra tissues that appear at the back of the throat. It provides relief from symptoms like snoring.Â
Tod Anderson DDSÂ family and cosmetic dentistry, located in Los Gatos, CA, provide patients with the best dental care facilities. Call (408) 540-7813 and book a consultation at the dentistry to know more about sleep apnea treatments and receive a complete dental checkup.Â