Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disrupts Your Night

You know the difference between a good night’s sleep and a bad one. There are a number of reasons that you may wake up feeling less rested than normal. If you experience chronic exhaustion, and it feels like no amount of sleep is ever enough for you, you may actually be suffering from a sleep disorder. While this may sound alarming, the good news is, there is treatment available for you. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects many Americans, and it can bring with it some long-term health consequences. Your dentist can actually help you determine whether you have OSA, and what to do about it.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Caused by a Blockage in Your Throat

Sleep apnea is a condition which causes you to wake up hundreds of times throughout the night. You probably don’t become fully conscious during these episodes, so you may not even know if you have the condition. The constant waking prevents you from completing sleep cycles that help you feel well rested.

What is it that causes you to wake up throughout the night? A blockage in your throat, most often caused by your own tissues. Throat and tongue tissues can overly relax during sleep and prevent the flow of air in and out of your lungs.

Your Dentist Can Help You Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

If you do in fact suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you don’t have to live with the difficulty of this condition. Your dentist can prescribe treatment that combats the negative effects of OSA. After completing a screening to verify that it is OSA giving you trouble, your dentist can create a custom mouthguard that prevents your oral tissues from blocking your airwaves. This treatment option is great for patients because it doesn’t require the need for surgery.

Don’t Let Disrupted Sleep Rule Your Life

Sleep apnea can rob you of the sleep that you desperately need to be at your best for school or work. You don’t have to live with this disruptive condition. Work with your dentist to develop a solution to OSA and get the sleep you deserve. Dr. Carter and the Elm Creek staff are prepared to treat your OSA with a custom-made oral appliance. To make your appointment for a consultation and screening, contact Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.