04
Jul
Reclaim Your Healthy Sleep and Life with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a severe condition that affects millions of people globally. When it’s left untreated, sleep apnea can cause severe health consequences, including cardiovascular problems, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and other issues. The key to preventing these issues is finding the right treatment.
At High Forest Dental, Dr. Allison Brown and her team offer effective sleep apnea treatment to patients in and around Caryl, Colorado. Don’t let sleep apnea take control of your sleep and health. Visit our office today for an evaluation and treatment.
How do snoring and sleep apnea compare?
Snoring happens when air moves past the throat and causes the relaxed tissues to vibrate, producing that familiar rumbling sound during sleep. It’s a common condition and can affect anyone, though it’s more likely in people who are overweight or sleep on their backs. Snoring is usually harmless—more of a nuisance to bed partners than a threat to health.
While snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the condition involves much more than just snoring. OSA involves repeated episodes where breathing stops for several seconds during sleep. These pauses are caused by a complete or partial blockage of the airway, leading to drops in oxygen levels and frequent sleep interruptions. Unlike snoring, sleep apnea has far-reaching consequences on physical and mental health.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
As mentioned, sleep apnea triggers episodes that cause breathing cessations when sleeping. This doesn’t just affect your sleep but your overall health. Although only a sleep doctor can diagnose sleep apnea, watch out for the following warning signs.
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness despite sleeping for 7-8 hours
- Waking up gasping or choking for air
- Chronic snoring, although not every sleep apnea patient snores
- Morning headaches
- Poor concentration
- Irritability and mood changes
- Waking up with a sore/dry throat
Adults aren’t the only ones at risk of sleep apnea—children can also develop sleep apnea, mainly because of undeveloped jaws or anatomical challenges with the airway. Signs your child has sleep apnea include mood changes, bed wetting, snoring, trouble at school, etc. Treat sleep apnea as soon as possible to avoid its extensive consequences on your health and everyday life.
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New Patients: (303) 951-3717 | Existing Patients: (303) 932-0200
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How is sleep apnea treated?
When you visit a mainstream doctor for sleep apnea treatment, they’ll likely recommend a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP uses a mask to force a constant stream of air into the airway to keep it open when sleeping. Although it works, many patients stop wearing CPAPs after a few weeks, citing discomfort, noise, and cumbersomeness.
Our office recognizes the discomfort that comes with CPAP therapy. We proudly offer oral appliance therapy to our patients, which uses a customized oral appliance. This retainer-like device is worn when sleeping and works by gently repositioning the tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy offers the same benefits as CPAP therapy but without the discomfort and inconvenience.
Do you need sleep apnea treatment in Caryl, CO?
Want to learn about sleep apnea solutions offered at High Forest Dental? Call us at (303) 951-3717 for more information. We are excited to help you sleep and live healthily.
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Allison H. Brown, DDS
Dr. Allison H. Brown completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, before earning her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry. She furthered her training through a General Practice Residency at Denver Health Medical Center. An OKU honors society member, Dr. Brown is a recognized member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Metro Denver Dental Society, Colorado Dental Association, American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She remains dedicated to ongoing education and staying at the forefront of modern dental care.
