Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Sleep Apnea Treatments

If you wake up every morning with a dry mouth and a headache, this may be related to sleep apnea. General dentist Sophi Nabavi-Vatankhah, DMD, works regularly with people to treat sleep apnea-related symptoms such as snoring. Call the office in Corpus Christi, Texas, or use the online scheduling system to schedule an appointment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

A person with sleep apnea stops and starts breathing repeatedly during sleep. Sleep apnea causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including insomnia and daytime sleepiness without diagnosis and treatment. As a result, you are more likely to develop serious conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Man Sleeping — Corpus Christi, TX — Padre Island Family Dentistry

What Are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

Among the services offered by Padre Island Family Dentistry is the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The back of your throat goes into a relaxed state when you sleep, preventing your airways from opening. This leaves you gasping for breath when you wake up.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping for air during sleep
  • Morning headache
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability

You might also have difficulty paying attention or staying focused at work if you have sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

A sleep apnea diagnosis can only be made by a medical doctor. However, Dr. Nabavi-Vatankhah will ask you questions about your lifestyle, sleep habits, and symptoms to determine if you may be at risk. When Dr. Nabavi-Vatankhah suspects sleep apnea is keeping you awake at night, she can refer you to a local sleep professional who can provide additional testing, including a sleep study.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

If you suffer from sleep apnea, your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are as well as the type of your sleep apnea. Your physician may recommend, after consulting with Dr. Nabavi-Vatankhah, that you:

  • Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

You might benefit from CPAP if you suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea. Sleeping masks deliver oxygen to the lungs as you sleep. As a result, you can sleep peacefully at night.

  • A custom oral appliance

A custom oral appliance might be helpful if you suffer from mild sleep apnea. Plastic mouthpieces that fit snugly over the teeth are called custom oral appliances. By moving your lower jaw slightly forward, it opens your airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.

  • Digital sleep apnea treatment (InspireSleep)

A leading-edge implant is used for digital sleep apnea treatment to stimulate muscles in the airway that control breathing. The device is inserted into your upper palate during a quick outpatient procedure performed by Dr. Nabavi-Vatankhah. A remote control is used to activate the device before going to sleep.

Make an appointment with Padre Island Family Dentistry by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today to learn more about the various treatment options for sleep apnea.

Contact Padre Island Family Dentistry at 361-589-4090 to schedule your sleep apnea treatment today!

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