Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious health condition and sleep disorder. It occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth and throat block the airway causing a repetitive stopping or slowing of breathing. This can happen hundreds of times during the night, which leads to poor quality sleep, drowsiness, headaches, etc. The effects of nightly breathing disruptions can be very dangerous on your body. Because the disruptions affect the amount of oxygen in the blood, your body will try to overcompensate creating high blood pressure. The risks of untreated sleep apnea include stroke and heart disease and many more serious health conditions. Treating sleep apnea in Olathe, KS can come in a variety of treatment options depending on your specific needs and situation.
Custom Appliance
Once it has been determine that you are suffering from OSA, the next step is treatment. A sleep apnea appliance is physically similar to a mouth guard. However, it is much smaller and more comfortable, and it is designed to carefully support your lower jaw rather than protect your teeth. An appliance is created based on digital images of your mouth, so that it fits in a customized fashion. As it supports your lower jaw, it helps prevent your tissues from collapsing into your airway causing an obstructive apnic episode. In more severe situations, a CPAP machine may be required to keep a constant flow of air flowing through the airway.
Oral Surgery
In rare cases, surgery is required to treat sleep apnea. It is reserved only for when absolutely necessary when all other options have been explored or ruled out. The type of surgery will depend on your exact situation however the goal of any sleep apnea surgery is to ultimately stop excessive oral tissues from blocking your airway.
Solving Sleep Apnea Is Important to Your Health
Ignoring obstructive sleep apnea is dangerous. To schedule a consultation call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-764-1018. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, Leawood, Gardner, Spring Hill, Osawatomie, Edgerton, Shawnee, Johnson County, De Soto, Paola, Lawrence, and all surrounding communities.