What have you heard about sleep apnea? You may know that if you have sleep apnea, you could wake up several times every night—but did you know that sleep apnea could also lead to several serious complications? Fortunately, our dentist can help you prevent these issues and even help you deal with your sleep apnea.
You see, if you have sleep apnea, you’ll stop breathing for ten seconds or more while you’re asleep. Unfortunately, because you’ll be sleeping, this condition could be difficult to diagnose. However, there are a few issues you may be able to recognize. For instance, did you know that headaches, dry mouth, and lethargy could all be symptoms of sleep apnea? Fortunately, a dentist is often the first person to recognize this problem.
However, the type of treatment you need depends on the type of sleep apnea you have. For example, there are custom oral appliances that may reposition your jaw and improve airflow. A CPAP machine may also be useful. However, CPAP machines are sometimes considered loud and uncomfortable, so some prefer an oral appliance.
Sadly, untreated sleep apnea could lead to a number of serious issues. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you may have to cope with high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, depression, headaches, and fatigue.
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, we can help. Our dentist, Dr. Kerry Taylor, has been trained to recognize the symptoms of this condition and will be happy to examine your mouth. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please don’t hesitate to contact Chandler Dental Excellence at 480.786.1734. We look forward to hearing from you!