Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association, affects up to 22 million Americans. A patient with sleep apnea experiences interrupted breathing during sleep. This can happen up to hundreds of times a night, starving the brain and body of crucial oxygen.

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This type of sleep apnea is more common and occurs when a physical obstacle blocks the airway. Usually, this happens when the soft tissue of the throat collapses during sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea is based in the nervous system. The brain fails to signal the diaphragm muscles to continue to breathe during sleep.

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

At Calian Dental, we are proud to be able to offer viable treatments for patients with OSA. (As dentists, there is very little we can do to help patients with CSA. Should we suspect this is a patient’s problem, we will send them to their primary care physician.) There are many dental appliances that can adjust the position of the jaw while a patient sleeps. This can help to keep the airways open, allowing the patient to experience uninterrupted, restful sleep.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, or if your partner has informed you that you are snoring, make an appointment with Calian Dental today. We may be able to diagnose your sleep apnea and help you once again enjoy a good night’s sleep.
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