Sleep apnea is a potentially serious medical condition where a person fails to get enough oxygen due to a specific breathing issue while they sleep. This results in a cycle where a person's breathing becomes ineffective enough that you have trouble ever getting a whole night's sleep.
Sleep apnea has two forms. Central sleep apnea is a rarer variety and neurological condition where your brain fails to regulate the signals that prompt breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused when a misalignment in your mouth and jaw partially constricts your airway, causing diminished breathing. Dr. Appel and his team are skilled at treating OSA.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are several signs that you might be suffering from a sleep disorder like OSA. Any of the following might indicate you should seek OSA treatment.
- Loud and persistent snoring.
- Excessive tiredness during the day.
- Waking abruptly with a choking or gasping sensation
- Morning dry mouth or sore throat
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Sleep deprivation-associated mood changes, like depression or a short temper
The good news is that your dentist in Humble, TX, can offer non-invasive and less disruptive than expensive CPAP machines that often treat sleep apnea.
With a custom-made oral appliance, we can adjust your jaw angle and open your airways. Wearing this appliance while you sleep is proven effective at treating sleep apnea.