Sleep Apnea Treatment in Sioux Falls, SD
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is an anatomical condition where a person’s airway becomes so narrowed or even blocked that they can no longer breathe. This stoppage of breath causes the oxygen levels in a person’s blood to drop to unsafe levels, effectively starving every organ of oxygen. If this occurs between 5-14 times per hour it is considered Mild OSA, 15-29 times per hour is considered Moderate OSA and 30 or more times per hour is Severe OSA. For patients struggling with these symptoms, Designer Dentistry & Smiles offers advanced sleep apnea treatment in Sioux Falls to help restore healthy breathing and improve overall sleep quality.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
OSA is an anatomic issue. When a person’s jaws don’t fully develop or grow to their full genetic potential, they end up with smaller, set back jaws. This is often visible and will show up in a couple of different ways. Crooked teeth, a highly vaulted narrow palate and a facial profile that looks like a small set back chin are the most common. When the jaw is narrow and set back, it forces a person’s tongue to sit low and back into the airway space. Often times this arrangement will lead to mouth breathing in addition to snoring and apnea. Once a person falls asleep, especially on their back, their muscles relax and can allow the pushed back tongue and soft palate to fall further back into the airway causing a blockage.
What happens to your body when you have sleep apnea?
When your brain senses that it is losing oxygen it kicks your body into fight or flight mode. Within seconds, your brain tells your body to increase your heart rate in hopes of sending more oxygenated blood to the brain so that brain cells don’t start to die. When that doesn’t work, it tells your head, neck and facial muscles to contract. This is an effort to brace and pull open the blocked airway, but it also causes clenching and grinding of the teeth. The lungs and diaphragm continue to try to breathe in, but when there is a blockage that effort causes a vacuum to form in your esophagus, which may reflux stomach contents into your airway. If that still doesn’t work, you will continue to wake up until you are able to gasp or move enough to free the blockage.
These frequent bouts of a racing heart are hard on your circulatory system, which should be busy repairing itself from the day’s damage. When more damage is occurring and not enough repair is happening, you become at risk for serious health issues such as heart attack and stroke. When you have frequent awakenings... your body doesn’t get enough deep sleep or REM sleep. Lack of deep sleep causes things like weight gain, memory loss, fatigue, insulin resistance and skin wrinkles. This can occur in children as well, but their overtired state can be mistaken for hyperactivity, and their memory loss can be labeled as poor school performance. There isn’t an organ or tissue in the body that does well with a lack of oxygen or a lack of sleep. If you are unsure whether you may be experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to know how to test for sleep apnea. A sleep study conducted by qualified sleep apnea doctors can help identify the severity of the condition and determine the right treatment plan.
What can I do about it?
For patients with severe OSA, the best treatment is either jaw advancement surgery performed by an oral surgeon or a CPAP machine worn over the face to blow air into the airway, keeping it “blown” open. If you cannot tolerate the CPAP or you have a milder form of sleep apnea, then a mandibular advancement device may be a better option. An oral device that slips over your teeth and retains your lower jaw in a more forward position works by holding the tongue out of the airway. These are often referred to as a sleep apnea appliance for mouth and are a popular alternative for patients seeking comfortable treatment options. There are many styles and designs on the market, each with their own advantages.
We really like the Narval CC by ResMed due to how thin and durable it is. The design maximizes tongue space, which is the main goal, keeping the tongue in the mouth and out of the airway. If the soft palate is also creating blockages then the NightLase procedure may be right for you.
Correcting the underlying anatomical malformation can also be a good strategy for improving someone’s airway. As, an experienced sleep apnea dentist in Sioux Falls may also recommend orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth and widen a palate that is too high or narrow. Often times these improper growth issues are a result of an undiagnosed tongue tie or other improper muscle patterns like a reverse swallow. A frenectomy can be performed to correct the tied tongue and myofunctional therapy can help retain bad muscle habits and improve nasal breathing. The causes of OSA can be multifaceted and the treatment needs to be too. The goal is to improve or maximize the airway space as much as medically possible with the least amount of invasiveness possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
If you find yourself waking up fatigued, snoring heavily, or experiencing choking or gasping episodes while asleep, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Our dentist can assess symptoms for you and recommend a sleep study in order to confirm a diagnosis. It is crucial to address these signs early on for effective treatment.
What are the main causes of sleep apnea in adults and children?
In adults, the most common cause of sleep apnea is obesity. However, it may also be linked to age, enlarged tonsils, or structural problems in the airway. In children, it is usually enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Our dentist will help identify the cause based on your specific case.
What are the health risks if sleep apnea goes untreated?
Untreated sleep apnea may lead to serious health risks, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It can also influence mental well-being, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety. Seeking treatment is crucial to prevent these long-term issues and enhance your overall health.
What treatment options are available for sleep apnea?
Treatment options range from lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, to devices like CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices. In some cases, surgery might be indicated to prevent any kind of future issues. Our dentist will help determine which option works best for you based on your specific needs.
Will I need a CPAP machine, or are there other alternatives?
A CPAP machine is a common treatment for sleep apnea, but it isn't the only option. Some alternative options can involve oral appliances like mandibular advancement devices that reposition your jaw to keep your airway open. Our dentist will discuss these options with you and help you pick which is best for your condition.
How does a mandibular advancement device work?
It is an oral appliance that gently advances the lower jaw forward to prevent airway collapse during sleep. This keeps the airway open, which can greatly reduce the amount of snoring and apnea episodes. Our dentist will fit and adjust the device to maximize comfort and effectiveness for the patient.
Can orthodontic treatment or jaw adjustments help with sleep apnea?
Yes, in some cases, sleep apnea can be improved with orthodontic treatment or jaw adjustments. In this case, repositioning of the jaw or teeth will improve airflow and help minimize symptoms. Our dentist will assess your specific requirements to see if orthodontics could be a valuable part of your treatment plan.
Is surgery ever necessary to treat sleep apnea?
Surgical treatments for sleep apnea are performed only when the other options have failed. The surgery could be aimed at removing excess tissues, adjusting the jaw, or correcting structural defects. Our dentist will guide you in making the appropriate decision where this becomes an option.
How long does it take to see results from treatment?
Results are also seen within different timeframes with different treatments. Many patients notice improvements within weeks using CPAP or mandibular advancement devices. Other lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, may take longer. Our dentist will monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
Are there any side effects or risks from sleep apnea devices or procedures?
Sleep apnea devices and procedures are normally safe, but they may cause some side effects. For instance, oral devices might lead to jaw discomfort or cause a dry mouth; CPAP machines could result in skin irritation. We will be working closely with you to minimize any side effects you may have and make any necessary adjustments.
Do children require different sleep apnea treatments than adults?
Yes, treatments for sleep apnea in children often differ. Because enlarged tonsils or adenoids are the most common culprit, removal of these is a common treatment. Our dentist will assess your child's particular condition and propose the best treatment. It could involve oral devices or a different form of treatment..
How much does sleep apnea treatment cost in Sioux Falls?
The cost of sleep apnea treatment can vary based on whether your treatment involves oral appliances, a CPAP machine, or even surgery. Our dentist will provide an estimate based on your specific treatment plan. We also recommend checking with your insurance provider to see if sleep apnea treatment is covered under your policy.
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