Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that interferes with your breathing while you sleep. People with sleep apnea suffer from periods of breathlessness that can occur hundreds of times over the course of a night and last anywhere between 10 seconds and several minutes.

Sleep apnea is a very dangerous condition. It deprives your brain of oxygen, which can significantly interfere with your body’s proper functioning.

Do I have sleep apnea?

Some of the symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Noisy snoring
  
• Restless or poor sleep
  
• Insomnia
  
• Waking up choking or gasping for air
  
• Headaches in the morning
  
• Impaired memory
  
• Irritability
  
• Loss of interest in sex
  
• Fatigue

If these symptoms are affecting you, schedule an appointment with Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC immediately. 

The dental experts are trained to spot signs of sleep apnea, like worn tooth surfaces from teeth grinding or an irritated throat from snoring and can help you find relief from your condition.

Do I need to treat my sleep apnea?

If left untreated, the oxygen-deprivation from sleep apnea can cause adverse impacts on your health.

Some of the short-term effects of sleep apnea include:

• Poor quality of life
  
• Increased stress and anxiety
  
• Memory impairment
  
• Impaired alertness
  
• Higher likelihood of auto accidents and occupational injuries

Some of the long-term effects of sleep apnea include:

• Attention deficit disorder
  
• Arrhythmia
  
• Depression
  
• Diabetes
  
• Heart disease
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Mood disorders
  
• Obesity
  
• Stroke

Don’t wait for sleep apnea to take a toll on your health. Get treatment today with Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC.

How is sleep apnea treated?

There are different types of oral surgeries that are effective in treating sleep apnea, including:

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty helps to open up your airway by removing excess tissue from your upper mouth and throat. 

Without this excess tissue, your airway is less obstructed, allowing for a freer flow of oxygen while you sleep. UPPP is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia. 

Maxillomandibular advancement

Maxillomandibular advancement seeks to remove the oral obstructions that cause sleep apnea by moving your jaw forward and slightly further out from the rest of your facial bones. This creates more room behind your soft palate, making it easier for you to breathe.

Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is a more advanced procedure that’s typically only performed when other treatments have failed. 

In a tracheostomy, your surgeon inserts a tube in your throat that opens up your airway and helps you breathe. You keep the tube covered during the day and open it up at night when you sleep. 

Get on your way toward a better night's sleep today by scheduling a visit with Margaret Culotta-Norton, DDS, PC. You can book your sleep apnea consultation by calling the office or scheduling a visit online.