Sleep Apnea

How is Snoring Different from Sleep Apnea in Reno?

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Sleep Apnea

sleep apnea in Reno

It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life. Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many men and women who snore also have sleep apnea in Reno, but there are important differences.

Why is Sleep Apnea in Reno So Dangerous?

Snoring alone doesn’t cause breathing to stop. People who suffer from sleep apnea in Reno actually stop breathing. This can happen many times during the night. When the brain is deprived of oxygen—not surprisingly—serious problems can occur. Even death. People who suffer from sleep apnea are at risk for heart problems including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They are also at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. One of the most common problems is daytime fatigue. This can be debilitating. Untreated sleep apnea lowers the quality of life. The health consequences are not limited to the person with the condition. Their bed partner is also deprived of restorative sleep and, as such, is at risk of health complications.

Are Your Health Issues a Result of Sleep Apnea?

If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, or your partner says you stop breathing temporarily during sleep, see your doctor ASAP. If you want to start out with a specialist, ask your primary doctor for a recommendation. In the U.S., the American Board of Sleep Medicine certifies physicians who treat sleep disorders. Your doctor will diagnose whether you have sleep apnea and which of the three types you have. This may require a visit to a sleep disorder clinic.  If your physician diagnoses your condition as Obstructive Sleep Apnea, don’t assume that there is only one treatment. Sleep apnea in Reno can be treated with an oral appliance, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or surgery. If your physician believes you are a candidate for a dental appliance, consult a dentist who specializes in treatment for sleep disorders. At The Reno Dentist, we treat patients with Sleep Apnea in Reno, so feel free to give us a call and ask us any questions. We also offer services such as laser dentistry, implants, and root canals.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno: You Should Take Snoring Seriously

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Categories: Advanced Dentistry, Oral Health, Sleep Apnea

cost of dental crowns Sparks Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

What is Snoring? Snoring is caused by an obstruction that restricts the flow of air in the throat. Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have considerable health consequences. The obstruction can typically be caused by:

  • Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
  • Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
  • Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
  • Long uvula or soft palate
  • Nasal congestion
  • Deviated septum

Those who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially health-threatening condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night. If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also affected. Failure to get enough quality sleep contributes to a myriad of physical and mental conditions.

You Could Benefit from Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno

Most of us have experienced trouble concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication? Other possible health problems related to insufficient sleep include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes. So why is a post about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? That’s because your dentist can offer you sleep apnea treatment in Reno.

What Are You Waiting For?

Our outstanding staff works very hard to preserve our reputation as a world-class dental office. Furthermore, our office is known for being clean and friendly. We don’t just walk away after our procedure is handled. We follow through with special instructions, follow up appointments, and careful monitoring of the sleep apnea treatment in Reno. Preventing complications is a top priority. If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to set up an appointment today. We also offer services such as cosmetic dentistry and root canal therapy.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503

Suspect You Might Have Sleep Apnea in Reno?

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Categories: Dental Health, Dental technology, Sleep Apnea

oral appliance for sleep apnea in Reno

Suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea in Reno? It’s crucial to your health to see a doctor soon. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea in Reno:

  • Loud snoring
  • Awakening suddenly
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Frequently being tired during the day
  • Waking with a dry mouth
  • Headaches, especially in the morning
  • Difficulty concentrating

Recurring interruptions in breathing during sleep starves the brain of oxygen. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.

CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea. Many people don’t know that there are other ways to treat it. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) conducted by a dentist can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:

  • As a first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)
  • As a first-line treatment for patients with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
  • As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)

A custom-fit oral appliance allows patients to breathe normally during sleep. A diagnosis of OSA must be made by a physician. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.

The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:

  • More convenient
  • More comfortable
  • Portable
  • Quiet
  • Doesn’t need electricity
  • Easy to clean
  • May allow wearer to talk and eat during use

If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea in Reno, OAT can restore your health. The team at The Reno Dentist encourages you to see an MD soon before your health is compromised. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call 775-323-0700 to set up a consultation with The Reno Dentist. We also offer other services such as Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503