Sleep Apnea Therapy – Metairie, LA

Why We Offer Sleep Apnea Therapy

At Nelson Dental Care, we care about more than just your oral health. Dr. Nelson and his team take steps to ensure the problems occurring in your mouth do not have damaging effects on your body as a whole. Surprisingly, to some patients, the ability to achieve quality sleep can be treated by a dentist in Metairie. To understand how this is possible, let us explain how sleep apnea works.

This common sleep disorder affects more than 22 million people in the U.S. That’s just numbers for adults. Children, too, can suffer from sleep apnea. This occurs when the airway becomes blocked for 10 or more seconds. Airway blockage can be caused by a variety of things, some of which include:

• Oversized tonsils
• Being overweight
• The tongue collapsing on the back of the throat

The brain must be triggered in order to alert the body to its need to breathe. Whether this happens once or hundreds of times each night, the results are waking suddenly, gasping for air, and blood pressure that continually goes up and down throughout the night. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health conditions and even death.

We understand the seriousness of this disorder and want our patients to get the rest they need, which is why we offer sleep apnea therapy.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Can Help

If you’re familiar at all with sleep apnea therapy, you’ve probably heard all the ways a CPAP machine can help. This continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) method of treatment is effective; however, many patients have difficulties maneuvering the equipment and finding it uncomfortable to wear. As a result, they give up and simply continue to suffer.

An alternative solution that is proven safe and effective is oral appliance therapy. These small, compact devices look similar to a nightguard. Worn in the mouth while you sleep, they are designed to keep your airway open by shifting your jaw forward slightly. Patients can get a restful night’s sleep without fear of obstruction.

What Dangers Can Sleep Apnea Present if Left Untreated

Individuals who choose to ignore their sleep apnea symptoms are putting themselves at risk for serious and even fatal consequences. Should you notice any of the following signs, contact your dentist as soon as possible:

• Chronic fatigue (difficulty staying awake throughout the day)
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Gasping for air when you wake at night
• Morning headaches
• Sore or dry throat
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia

Whether you exhibit a few or all the symptoms listed above, it is imperative that you undergo a sleep study to receive an official diagnosis.

Sleep apnea that is left untreated can lead to a wide range of dangerous health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure or heart problems: The up and down rollercoaster your blood pressure goes through at night can put additional strain on your heart. This can result in a heart attack, stroke, and even atrial fibrillation. For patients with heart disease who have an irregular heartbeat, this can lead to sudden death.
• Type II diabetes: If you are overweight and suffering from sleep apnea, you are at a higher risk of developing a resistance to insulin.
• Mental Health issues: Patients who suffer from sleep apnea can experience irritability due to lack of sleep. This can lead to depression or other mental health issues.

If you believe that you or your partner may have the signs of sleep apnea, contact us today to schedule a consultation. While the health consequences are serious, imagine what getting a restful night of sleep can do for your day-to-day life!