Is it “just snoring” or something else? Give snoring and scary sleep apnea a rest with effective treatment
We all likely snore at some point in our lives due to nasal congestion, sleep posture and position. These and other factors give rise to that irritating honking and snorting. Primary, irregular snoring that is not secondary to another medical condition is generally not a cause for concern. However, primary snoring that is chronic can stress relationships with partners and other family members.
Additionally, snoring can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Fortunately, Dr. Kurt W. Knechtel, DMD, of Longmont Dental in Longmont, Colorado, effectively treats chronic snoring and sleep apnea.
If you’re concerned about snoring, interrupted sleep, or possible sleep apnea,
the team at Longmont Dental is here to help. Dr. Knechtel can evaluate your symptoms, discuss your treatment options, and recommend a personalized plan.
New patients must call (720) 815-4733 to schedule an appointment.
Contact us today to learn more about improving your sleep and overall health.
The problem with OSA
Obstructive sleep apnea is serious because it is characterized by tissues that obstruct or block the airway during sleep. When this happens, OSA sufferers awaken abruptly with a jerk, gasp, and snort. Snoring secondary to OSA is generally louder than primary snoring. And Dr. Knechtel’s apnea patients may also note the following:
- Persistent daytime fatigue
- Frequent sore throat and dry mouth
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Chronic headaches
- Cognitive issues
Untreated sleep apnea can put sufferers, and their coworkers and passengers, at risk of being involved in on-the-job or road accidents due to constant fatigue caused by the inability to get restful sleep. As you might imagine, the pattern of sleeping and waking due to disordered breathing puts a significant strain on your organs. Untreated OSA puts individuals at elevated risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and impaired liver function (among other severe conditions). In conjunction with providers such as family physicians and sleep medicine specialists, it is critical for professionals like Dr. Knechtel to determine the true nature of your snoring and other symptoms. From there, we can select the best therapy to resolve these symptoms and to restore your quality of life, and prevent the host of dangerous complications.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
Treatment options
If snoring is secondary to OSA, patients may benefit from the “gold standard” in treatment: CPAP therapy. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Air is delivered continually to the patient when they wear a mask. The mask is attached to a flexible hose, which sends air from the connected CPAP machine to the patient. CPAP is a predictably and reliably effective way to resolve sleep-disordered breathing as long as patients wear the mask as directed.
Patients who are not compliant with CPAP therapy may benefit from oral appliance therapy, available at the advanced dentist’s office like Longmont Dental. These appliances may also be appropriate for patients with primary snoring, not attributed to another disease. The machine is designed to fit your mouth. When patients slip these devices into their mouths, the jaws are repositioned. In doing so, oral tissues are also moved. So, these tissues no longer block the airway when they relax as the patient is sleeping.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why do I snore?
Snoring happens when the airflow is somewhat obstructed while sleeping. As air moves through a constricted airway, it causes the nearby tissues to vibrate, which produces the sound associated with snoring or snorting. Common reasons for snoring include extra weight around the neck, enlarged tonsils or tongue, and irregular shape of the nose and jaw. Snoring can be triggered by factors such as nasal congestion, alcohol intake, fatigue, and poor sleeping position.
When should I be concerned with snoring?
Snoring can be more than a nighttime annoyance. Occasional snoring is normal. However, if it’s loud, chronic, and accompanied by the following signs and symptoms, it’s time to seek medical evaluation.
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Sleeplessness or insomnia
- Waking up with headaches or a sore throat
- Daytime fatigue despite a full night’s sleep
- Poor concentration
- Mood changes and irritability
Does any of these struggles sound familiar? These symptoms can be a sign of a severe sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention can make all the difference in your health and quality of life.
What are the consequences of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can affect more than just your sleep. Poor sleep and oxygen deprivation put your organs—heart, brain, and blood vessels—on an overdrive, leading to several systemic conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Sleep apnea also causes daytime sleepiness and poor concentration, increasing the risk of accidents at work or on the road.
Do custom oral appliances really work for sleep apnea?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for sleep apnea. However, oral appliance therapy (OAT) has a proven track record for mild to moderate OSA. A custom oral appliance gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open during sleep. They are a comfortable and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy.
How do I maintain my sleep apnea nightguard?
Keeping your appliance clean helps prevent infections. Rinse it with lukewarm water after every use. Clean it daily with a soft toothbrush and mild soap solution. When not in use, store your appliance in the protective case, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of pets and children. Regular dental visits also ensure your oral appliance fits and functions as it should.
How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?
Like any medical device, there is an adjustment period when using a sleep apnea appliance. In the first few days, you may notice increased saliva flow and a feeling of fullness in the mouth. However, these symptoms resolve within 1-2 weeks as your mouth adjusts. Your appliance is customized to your dentition, which helps with a quick transition.
Is sleep apnea curable/reversible?
It depends on the cause. For children, removing tonsils or adenoids can reverse sleep apnea. However, curing sleep apnea in adults can be challenging due to complicating factors. Nevertheless, sleep apnea is often manageable, reducing undesirable symptoms as much as possible. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss or positional therapy can reduce severity.
How much does sleep apnea treatment cost in Longmont, CO?
The cost depends on the imaging needed, the recommended treatment, and the severity of your condition. Due to differing needs, we offer a detailed cost estimate following your consultation. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment more affordable with insurance and financing.
Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
Your medical insurance may cover sleep apnea treatment, including oral appliances. However, coverage varies, so it’s important to verify your benefits with your provider.
Who offers sleep apnea treatment in the Longmont area?
Anything that disrupts your sleep and oxygen intake is serious. If you suspect sleep apnea, take action today. Delaying treatment can lead to severe, irreversible health consequences. At Longmont Dental, we offer customized solutions to manage snoring and sleep apnea. Call (720) 815-4733 and schedule an appointment today!
