Have you ever been told that you snore? Do you wake up exhausted even after getting a full 8 hours of sleep? You’re not alone. An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from the effects of snoring and sleep apnea. At Smiles of Aurora, Dr. Goetz uses his expertise to help diagnose and treat sleep apnea.
Unlike most other dental practices, we work with your medical insurance to design a treatment plan that is both effective and affordable. Your medical insurance may even cover 100% of your treatment cost at Smiles of Aurora!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are two different types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Both are considered to be sleep breathing disorders.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This condition indicates that the soft tissue at the back of your throat is collapsing while you sleep, blocking your airway. This is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Central Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea is caused by instability in your respiratory control center. Essentially, your brain fails to send the signal to your lungs that you need to breathe fully while sleeping.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?
Most people with sleep apnea:
- Snore heavily
- Stop breathing periodically while they are still asleep
- Struggle to breathe while asleep with no snoring sound
These periods of stopped breathing are often followed by a gasping or choking sound. The person with sleep apnea will partially awaken in order to breathe, leading to fragmented sleep patterns.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Doctors estimate that 9.1% of men and 4% of women have sleep apnea in the United States alone. This condition can mean you’re at a higher risk for:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Depression
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Worsening ADHD
Not getting enough restful sleep can also take a toll on your personal and professional life, leaving you groggy and tired throughout the day.
What Treatments Are Available For Sleep Apnea?
Although many sleep doctors prescribe CPAP machines for sleep apnea, the bulky and uncomfortable device is not for everyone. That’s why Dr. Goetz uses sleeker oral appliances to help alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.
An oral appliance is similar to a retainer or mouth guard and slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue, which can better open your airway during sleep. This type of device can improve your breathing and reduce snoring. Everyone’s mouth is different, so at Smiles of Aurora we provide customized oral appliances for each patient.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Goetz Today!
Sleep is vital to your health and quality of life. If you’re concerned you or your loved one suffers from sleep apnea, give our Aurora, IL dental practice a call. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about sleep apnea or any of the other services we offer.
Remember, we will bill sleep apnea devices and treatment directly through your medical insurance!