Dr. Foy is eager to help with sleep apnea problems. When sleep apnea is suspected, we have a machine to track breathing lapses and other indications of sleep apnea. You take the machine home, wear it at night, and then bring it back to us. We send the results to a sleep specialist for diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, Dr. Foy will make a custom night guard or oral appliance to mitigate sleeping issues, or the patient will be referred to a sleep specialist for treatment.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly, causing them to wake up over and over again during the night. These awakenings are typically so short that you do not remember them. The constant waking makes you tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Snoring.
- Gasping for air during sleep.
- Dry mouth upon awakening.
- Headaches in the morning.
- Difficulty staying asleep.
There are three types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of the first two. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because throat muscles relax too much during sleep and close off breathing. This is the most common form of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs because the brain does not properly control breathing during sleep, causing breathing to stop.
How can dentists help with sleep apnea problems?
Dentists help with obstructive sleep apnea. In cases of central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea, patients will be referred to sleep specialists. Lack of sleep results in lowered cognition and has been linked to depression, nutritional problems, and other negative effects. Don’t let sleep apnea take over your life! If you suspect any kind of sleep apnea, call the office today and make an appointment with Dr. Foy.
If obstructive sleep apnea is the problem, Dr. Foy makes a custom night guard to oral appliance to prevent throat muscles from obstructing your airway and preventing enough oxygen from reaching the brain. This solves the sleeping problem. Get back to a good night’s sleep—Call our office today to set up a sleep apnea consultation.