Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that affects an estimated 22 million people in America, and it’s thought to be behind many other common conditions. It’s often marked by interrupted breathing and loud snoring, which affects more than just the sufferer. Below, you’ll learn more about the condition and sleep apnea dentistry in Elk Grove Village.
It Can be Deadly
Sleep apnea causes chronic fatigue that increases a sufferer’s chances of a serious accident when driving a car or operating machinery. It is also thought to be behind illnesses such as irregular heartbeat, hypertension, coronary artery disease, depression, weight gain, and stroke.
Your Dentist Can Help Detect and Treat It
How are dentistry and sleep apnea related? First, sleep apnea involves structures within the oral cavity, which is a dentist’s area of expertise. Sometimes, people even start snoring when they’re in the dentist’s chair! With sleep apnea dentistry in Elk Grove Village, you’ll get a first line of defense against mild and moderate sleep problems.
Oral Appliances Are Good to Try Before Those Invasive Treatments
If it is recommended in your case, your dentist may customize an oral appliance that helps with your sleep-related breathing disorder. These devices are worn as you sleep, and they help to maintain an open airway while reducing breathing troubles. The devices have a success rate of approximately 80%, and in many instances, those results are comparable to those provided by CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machines. Not only are these appliances easy to wear, they’re a non-invasive way to treat sleep apnea before focusing on surgery and other treatments.
Make an Appointment Today
Sleep apnea is often thought of as a silent condition, but if you’ve ever slept next to someone who has it, it’s anything but quiet. To learn more about sleep apnea dentistry in Elk Grove Village, visit us at elkgrovevillagedentist.com or call the office of Brian Homann, DDS to request an appointment.