Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in many adults (including children and teenagers) who experience interruptions with their breathing as they sleep. This occurs when the tissue at the back of the throat and tongue collapses into the airway, causing your body to jump and gasp for breath when asleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to major health concerns, such as:
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver problems
- Heart attacks
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Increased risk of cancer
Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are many signs of sleep apnea aside from gasping for breath; these include:
- Snoring
- Morning headaches
- Dry or sore throat after waking up
- Fatigue/tiredness throughout the day
- Trouble staying asleep
- Mood swings
If this sounds like the case for you, Dr. Mason Miner offers adults a screening for sleep apnea treatment at Durango Laser Dentistry.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Durango, Colorado
Treatment for sleep apnea may depend on the severity of your condition. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, our dentist may recommend mandibular advancement appliance therapy as the first option. This is an oral appliance that is customized to fit comfortably inside your mouth and works to move the lower jaw forward to take the tongue off the back of the throat to allow air to pass through. Oral appliance therapy may also be an option for those who are CPAP intolerant.
Make Improvements in Your Sleep Today!
With a consultation at our office, Dr. Mason Miner will assess your airway to see if you could benefit from sleep apnea treatment to enjoy a more sufficient night’s rest. Give us a call today at 970-247-2677 to schedule a consultation and learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Durango, Colorado.
