Understanding Sleep Apnea
Every morning, millions of individuals wake up feeling tired. Some wake with headaches, while most feel overwhelming fatigue. Sleep apnea is a major undiagnosed sleep disorder preventing restful sleep for an estimated 22 million Americans. If you wake feeling tired after what should be a restful sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. At Buford Family Dental, the best dentist in Buford, GA, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a restful night’s sleep through effective diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
While you sleep, your muscles relax. Your tongue and muscles in the upper airway become slack and may obstruct your airway. When this happens, oxygen is prevented from getting to your brain, which sends a signal for you to wake up. You gasp for air and go back to sleep. This can happen a few times or hundreds of times every time you sleep. This continuous disruption prevents you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep, leading to fatigue and other health issues.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Treatment for sleep apnea begins with an accurate diagnosis. Once you have been diagnosed, the most effective treatment plan can be put in place to help you get a full, restful night’s sleep. Here at Buford Family Dental, the leading family dentistry in Buford, GA, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to determine the extent of your sleep apnea.
Oral Appliances for Mild Sleep Apnea
Mild cases of sleep apnea may be addressed with an oral appliance. This device prevents relaxed muscle obstruction by holding your lower jaw in a slightly forward position. By doing so, it keeps your airway open, allowing you to breathe freely while you sleep. Our skilled team at Buford Family Dental, the top Buford dentist, will custom-fit this appliance to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
CPAP Machines for Severe Sleep Apnea
More severe cases of the condition may call for additional help through the use of a sleep therapy machine. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most common of these. It provides a constant flow of air through your upper airway to prevent muscle obstruction during sleep. This continuous airflow ensures that your airway remains open, allowing for uninterrupted, restful sleep.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Most people who snore are not aware they have the problem, but others around them may be acutely aware of it. When muscles in your soft palate, throat, and tongue relax, they may vibrate as you breathe, causing you to snore. Factors contributing to snoring include:
- Alcohol Consumption
- Obesity
- Allergies and Cold Symptoms
- Mouth and Sinus Anatomy
Snoring can be a problem for you and your partner, but treatment can remedy the situation. Some individuals who snore also suffer from sleep apnea, but not all. Accurate diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. At Buford Family Dental, we provide thorough evaluations to determine whether your snoring is related to sleep apnea.
Relief From Snoring
You can learn more about snoring and sleep apnea by scheduling a consultation with Buford Family Dental, the best dentist in Buford, GA. Contact our office today to make your appointment with us. Testing may be required to determine the extent of your sleep apnea. After a thorough examination and testing, your doctor will recommend the most effective method for treating your condition.
Schedule a Consultation With Buford Family Dental
At Buford Family Dental, your trusted dentist in Buford, GA, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for all your dental and sleep health needs. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders. Our goal is to help you achieve a restful night’s sleep and improve your overall health and well-being.
Experience the highest standard of dental care in Buford, GA, at Buford Family Dental. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you overcome sleep apnea for healthier, more restful sleep.
Contact our office today to make your appointment with us.