If you are looking for a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago, we can
help you to learn about the condition. If you are not sure whether or
not you have sleep apnea, we can provide you with the right tests and
diagnosis. Sleep apnea is a bothersome disorder that occurs while you
sleep. It involves a variety of factors that block your breathing,
causing you to sleep restlessly and your heart to overwork. With time,
this disorder can lead to more serious health problems, including stroke
or heart attack. Continue reading to learn more as we answer a few
questions that we commonly receive.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
The
most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, daytime
sleepiness, and restlessness. Some other symptoms that patients
experience are sleep deprivation, abnormal breathing patterns while
sleeping, irritability, dry mouth and throat, weight gain, and
headaches. Many significant others have reported that their partners
with sleep apnea often have episodes of no breathing for short periods
of time. Sleep partners also complain that snoring can be heard several
rooms away.
What causes sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs
when there are enlarged tissues in the throat that collapse and
sometimes block your airway. This action reduces the amount of oxygen
that is delivered to your entire body, including your heart. If your
blood-oxygen level reaches a certain low, your body will momentarily
wake up in response. In many cases, patients do not even realize they
are waking up several times a night. This can cause you to feel
unrefreshed and your body to remain in an unhealthy state.
How can a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago diagnose my sleep disorder?
When
you visit our office, we will ask questions about your health,
symptoms, and any unusual nocturnal behavior that a significant other or
family member might have noticed. We will perform an examination as
well. In most cases, we perform tests and screenings to help us make a
diagnosis. We also offer a testing device that you can take home and
wear which will help us to diagnose your sleep apnea, and it will also
prevent you from having to make unnecessary trips to our office for
extra testing.
What type of treatment can a sleep apnea dentist near Chicago offer me?
Our
dental oral appliance for sleep apnea can be created and fitted for
your needs. The nightly wearing of this device will help maintain an
open airway that will lead to a less restless sleep. These custom-made
devices are used as a non-invasive treatment option. This is our most
successful treatment option. Other options are an air mask that will
allow continues air to flow into your airway through a tube when worn,
or we can talk about what positive lifestyle changes you should be
making in order to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Obesity, overeating
before bed, and improper hygiene are common contributors to sleep apnea
that can be easily changed.
When you visit a sleep apnea dentist
near Chicago, we will determine how extensive your needs are and
provide the proper care as needed. We want you to understand why you are
not sleeping soundly, and we want to provide you with a better night of
rest and a more positive lifestyle. We can also answer any further
questions you may have when you come in for a visit.