What is sleep apnea? – Sleep Apnea Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which a person’s breathing suddenly ceases while sleeping. It is a serious condition that requires immediate attention and can have serious adverse effects. 

There are two main types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when an obstruction to the airway occurs. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not work as expected to control breathing. 

As a result, you wake up to resume breathing. This is a reflex mechanism that keeps you alive, but certainly disturbs your sleep cycle. There are sure signs that should be noted to diagnose sleep apnea early. It is essential to note the early signs and get professional help to avoid future complications.

In the information provided below, we will briefly discuss the sleep apnea treatment by Smile Concepts Andheri. We will focus on the oral appliances and the role of a dentist in managing your condition. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea

The most common sign is repeatedly waking during sleep to resume breathing, which can sometimes accompany night sweats. Snoring is another common sign of sleep apnea.

Due to disturbed sleep, you wake up tired, and there is morning fatigue. Because the brain lacks oxygen, you might feel tired even after a whole night of sleep.

Another common symptom is morning headaches and daytime fatigue. Other symptoms include mood changes, restlessness, and choking due to the sudden cessation of breathing. These are some early signs that should be noted and reported immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment planning help manage sleep apnea better. 

How is it diagnosed? – Sleep Apnea Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai

Polysomnography, or sleep study, is a confirmatory diagnostic test for sleep apnea. It measures your vital signs like blood oxygenation, brain waves, heart rate, and breathing pattern during sleep. It is essential to rule out the central variant of sleep apnea. 

How can a dentist help?- Sleep Apnea Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai

We can help you manage the obstructive variant of sleep apnea. In this variant, the windpipe is blocked for any reason, leading to cessation of breathing.

OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, is a condition in which the narrowing or blockage of the windpipe restricts smooth airflow.

Obstructive sleep apnea can occur due to tongue fall, smaller jaw size, and excessive throat fat tissue. 

What are oral appliances?- Sleep Apnea Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai

Oral appliances are dental devices or mouthpieces that must be worn at night during sleep.

They reposition the tongue and lower jaw to reduce the risk of narrowing and closing the airway passage, helping reduce the number of times you wake up at night due to OSA. 

There are two main types of oral appliances: tongue stabilizing devices (TSD) and mandibular advancement devices (MAD). 

How do they work?- Sleep Apnea Treatment in Andheri West Mumbai

Tongue stabilizing devices help prevent the tongue from falling back by pulling it forward using suction.

Mandibular advancement devices reposition the jaw forward, creating more airway space at the back of the throat.

TSDs are more effective in cases where the teeth are not strong enough to hold the MADs. 

Which is the most effective device?

The best device for you depends on your sleep apnea severity and current dental condition. To understand this better, it is best to get a complete dental examination. Our team will help you with a customized treatment plan best suited for your condition. 

Is it for everyone?

Oral appliances are for obstructive sleep apnea cases where the jaw and tongue narrow the airway passage. We need other medical devices like BiPAP and CPAP for central sleep apnea.