Sleep Apnea Treatment – Lake Zurich, IL
The Answer for a Good Night’s Sleep
Snoring can be more than just an annoying noise; it can also be an indicator that you’re suffering from a serious sleep breathing disorder called sleep apnea. Our doctors at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich have been trained to look for warning signs of sleep apnea and recommend potential dental solutions, so you can get a good night’s rest again thanks to custom sleep apnea treatment in our Lake Zurich, IL dental office.
Why Choose Grand Dental - Lake Zurich for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Reduced Risk of Long-Term Health Issues
- Sleep Appliances Customized Just for You
- Improve the Quality of Your Sleep
Why Sleep Apnea is so Dangerous
The most obvious harmful effect of sleep apnea is how it interrupts your sleep. It causes your breathing to stop, which forces your body to wake up to get some air. This happens multiple times during the night, and naturally it can leave you feeling exhausted (not to mention deprived of all-important oxygen).
Living with chronic fatigue can be dangerous. You’ll be much more likely to fall asleep at the wrong moment, such as while driving or operating heavy machinery. In fact, a sleep-deprived driver has just as much chance of causing an accident as someone who is under the influence of alcohol.
Sleep apnea has also been linked to high blood pressure, strokes, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, depression, and other health problems.
The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring is the most obvious symptom of sleep apnea. Other potential warning signs include dry mouth, general tiredness, a sore throat, insomnia, short-term memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an overall decrease in mental capabilities. Call us if any of these symptoms describe you on a regular basis.
How We Can Help
First, we’ll work with your primary physician to have a sleep study performed. Many people with sleep apnea are prescribed CPAP therapy, but many patients find the CPAP machines uncomfortable and far too noisy. As an alternative, we offer customized sleep appliances that safely keep the mouth and throat open so that you can breathe easy and sleep peacefully.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why should I see a dentist for sleep apnea treatment?
Visiting a dentist for sleep apnea treatment might seem “odd,” but the truth is that many of the issues that cause this common disorder exist inside the mouth. Soft oral tissues collapse onto the throat, obstructing the airway.
Dentists are well-versed in the upper respiratory area, as it pertains to oral health. When a patient arrives complaining of chronic fatigue or snoring, dentists can easily detect certain symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem, such as sleep apnea.
Even after receiving a formal diagnosis by a sleep physician, treatment with an oral appliance is something a dentist can provide, as it closely resembles and functions like a mouthguard or another similar device.
Can I diagnose sleep apnea on my own?
It’s possible that you may notice more of the symptoms, especially now that you know more about the condition and what the common signs are; however, a formal diagnosis cannot be achieved without a sleep study. A qualified physician must then analyze the collected data to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Many devices claim to monitor your sleep patterns (i.e., smartwatches, etc.); however, they should not replace a formal diagnosis, and they won’t if you want to undergo treatment to improve your condition.
Will my sleep apnea go away if I lose weight?
Losing weight is always a good idea if you’ve been told you are overweight or obese by your doctor. Too much fat around the neck can increase the risk of obstruction while you sleep. If you shed some pounds through diet and exercise, it will not only help your heart and other areas of the body but also your ability to breathe freely throughout the night.
Of course, you should not view weight loss as the only way to treat your sleep apnea, as it could be caused by other issues. Meeting with a qualified sleep dentist to discuss the underlying cause will ensure you receive a comprehensive treatment plan so that you start getting better rest with the right method of care.
Are there at-home remedies for sleep apnea?
Certain lifestyle changes can be beneficial in relieving some of your sleep apnea symptoms, such as creating a sleep schedule, adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen, avoiding screens before bedtime, etc. However, it’s best to incorporate these modifications with an additional form of treatment provided by your sleep dentist. If it’s a custom oral appliance that you are encouraged to wear, make sure you put it in every night while also continuing to make positive lifestyle changes. Before you know it, you’ll see a dramatic difference in how you feel.