Obstructive sleep apnea is a common health concern that we can address with oral appliance therapy in our Chicago dentist office. Most patients are unaware that they are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea until a loved one or roommate informs them that they’ve been snoring in their sleep.
Loud snoring often occurs when there is a blockage of excess soft tissues preventing you from maintaining an open airway. Left untreated, this could lead to severe health complications.
At Premier Dentistry, we can work with patients who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea by providing custom dental sleep appliances. Together, we will come up with a plan to prevent your loud snoring and reduce your risk for associated health complications.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chicago, IL
Our office utilizes oral appliance therapy to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a dental sleep appliance similar to a mouthguard. It is more compact than a traditional CPAP machine, which doctors often recommend for more extreme cases of sleep apnea.
Patients enjoy oral appliance therapy because it is easier to use and maintain, in addition to being travel-friendly. If you’re unsure if you’ve been suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, look out for the following symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Gasping for air in your sleep
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
Talk to our dentists at your next appointment if you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms. Our team will do everything we can to give you the guidance and resources you need to treat your sleep apnea.
What risks are associated with sleep apnea?
While many assume that loud snoring is a harmless habit, it actually poses many health risks. This is because snoring indicates that something is preventing you from breathing properly while sleeping. Lack of a proper airway may lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, or even strokes.
Additionally, loud snoring often puts additional pressure on your close relationships. When you or your partner is sleep-deprived, this can begin to affect your overall mood and daily quality of life. It’s important that both you and your partner get enough restful sleep each night to avoid unnecessary conflict and the dangers of daytime fatigue.
While anyone can be affected by sleep apnea, there are certain factors that increase your risk of sleep apnea development. The following are common factors associated with sleep apnea development:
- Excess weight and neck circumference
- Being male
- Being over 4o years old
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease
- Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol
- Nasal congestion
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
At Premier Dentistry, our top dentists in Chicago, IL, provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all of our patients. If you are concerned about symptoms of sleep apnea, we will come up with a treatment plan to evaluate and address these symptoms with appropriate care. Schedule an appointment with our Chicago, IL, dentist office today. We look forward to helping you achieve a good night’s rest again.