Sleep Apnea Therapy – Montgomery, MN
Start Sleeping Better & Waking Feeling Rested
If you frequently snore and often wake up feeling more tired than before you went to sleep, you may have a problem -- but it’s one that can be treated. Millions of Americans experience the exhausting side effects of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. If you’re tired of restless sleep, keep reading to find out how Dr. Geoffrey A. Iverson can help with sleep apnea therapy in Montgomery, MN!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a class of sleep breathing disorders, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea. This type occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Desperate to resume breathing and receive oxygen once again, the brain sends out an emergency signal to wake the body up.
A person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may have their sleep interrupted hundreds of times in a single night. They may not remember the frequent waking or tossing and turning the next day, though -- they just wake up tired and irritable. Often, it is an equally sleep deprived partner who sees the issue and realizes there is a problem.
The primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea is being overweight or obese. Having excess weight can result in larger neck tissue which gets compressed and blocks air during sleep. Other factors that may cause sleep apnea include having a deviated septum, clogged sinuses, or taking certain medications that affect sleep. Heavy drinking and tobacco use, especially before bedtime, can also increase the effects of sleep apnea.
What Are the Side Effects?
Left untreated, sleep apnea can take a serious toll on overall health. The body needs plenty of restful sleep to thrive -- and without it, studies show that rates of everything from cardiovascular health to premature death can occur.
Some of the side effects of sleep apnea include:
- Chronic fatigue and irritability
- High blood pressure
- Mood disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- And others
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional if you suspect you have sleep apnea. Getting a proper diagnosis is vital for your long-lasting health.
How Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Work?
Treatment for sleep apnea can range from a machine that keeps your airway clear at night (called a CPAP) to a small device that repositions your jaw to prevent it from collapsing and blocking off air during sleep. The latter is known as oral appliance therapy, and it is a highly effective treatment method for many people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who have tried CPAP therapy unsuccessfully in the past may find the help they need with this type of treatment as well.
Whichever treatment is right for you, you can feel confident that you are partnering with a true expert when you visit Dr. Iverson’s dental office!
Learn More Today
You can find relief from the exhausting side effects of sleep apnea -- and Dr. Iverson can help! If you have recently received a diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the “dentist near me” you’re searching for today.
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea in Montgomery, it can be an overwhelming experience. You’re sure to have plenty of concerns about the road ahead. There isn’t any reason to worry. Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions that patients ask us to help ease your worries.
What causes sleep apnea?
The most common form of the condition is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissues in the throat and tongue relax while you’re sleeping, causing a blockage in your airway. It can also be the result of structural issues, such as a large tongue, tonsils, or a naturally smaller airway. Determining the cause of the interruptions in breathing is crucial to creating a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, you may need a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, or a combination of both therapies.
Who is at risk of sleep apnea?
Anyone can develop sleep apnea; however, there are certain factors that increase your likeliness of developing the condition, such as:
- Being male
- Elderly
- Overweight or obese
- Heavy smokers
- Heavy drinkers
- A sedentary lifestyle
- People with an overbite
- People with a large neck circumference
Does snoring mean I have sleep apnea?
It’s normal for everyone to snore occasionally, such as when experiencing nasal congestion. As a result, it doesn’t always mean sleep apnea is the cause. Chronic snoring can often indicate the sleep condition because both are caused by an obstruction in the airway. Snoring results when there is a partial blockage of the airway. The noise you hear is from vibrations as air passes over the weak tissue. Serious snorers should have a consultation for sleep apnea to ensure it isn’t a symptom of a more significant problem.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
If sleep apnea isn’t treated, it can cause potentially life-threatening complications because your body is frequently deprived of oxygen. The lack of oxygen can place a strain on your body, leading to several health complications, like an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It can also significantly diminish your quality of life because it can cause mood changes, loss of concentration, and daily fatigue. In some cases, sleep deprivation can also occur, which can place you at a higher risk of auto and workplace accidents. It’s best to comply with your treatment plan to prevent the complications of sleep apnea.
Why do I need to see a dentist for sleep apnea treatment?
Although sleep apnea is a health condition, your dentist in Montgomery, Dr. Iverson, will play a crucial role in your treatment, especially when choosing oral appliance therapy. He will provide and monitor your treatment using the custom-fit appliance. Since he is specially trained in issues affecting the mouth, he can ensure optimal fit for your comfort and effectiveness. Dr. Iverson will take an impression of your mouth to get the exact measurements necessary to create your device. He can also make the necessary adjustments to provide the relief you need to breathe easier.