Sleep Apnea Treatment
Root Causes of a Restricted Airway
Have you been told you have sleep apnea? Does your child wet their bed? Does your spouse's snoring make a good night's sleep impossible? Let's explore some of the causes of a restricted airway, which could be the root of various problems affecting your health.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep disorders such as obstructive and central sleep apnea can make it difficult for patients to breathe properly when sleeping. At San Angelo Smiles, Dr. Teja can help determine if you suffer from:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. Due to overly relaxed or enlarged throat muscles, large tonsils, adenoids, or a serious overbite, the upper airway becomes too narrow during sleep, restricting the flow of oxygen. Dr. Teja can often treat obstructive sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance that keeps the upper airway open during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common but much more serious. The condition occurs when your brain stops regulating breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea requires a specialist's care, and Dr. Teja can provide you with a referral.
Complex Sleep Apnea
Also known as mixed sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. People with complex sleep apnea do not respond to treatments for obstructive sleep apnea alone. Dr. Teja can work with your other doctors to find a solution.
The risk factors for these sleep disorders include obesity, family history of the disease, smoking, excessive drinking, being male, and being older. If any of these risk factors apply to you, we can use this as a starting point to help you find the right solution for your needs.
Contact Us Today
Many people are not aware that dentists can help with sleep apnea. For those suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be all that you need to open up the airways and achieve a restful night of sleep.
Contact us online to ask a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone:
"Best Dental Care in Town!" 5-Star Google Reviews
Dillon Chirico
2020
Dr. Teja and his team are the best ! I have always dreaded going to the dentist. Dr. Teja and his team do everything they can to make you comfortable. An take the time to answer all your questions. I highly recommended making an appointment and getting the best dental care in town !
View on GoogleAllison Nall
2020
I was so nervous to get a shot and have my cavities filled but Dr. Teja and his team did an amazing job. I didn’t feel the shot or any of the things they were doing during the procedure. If I had to do it again I would with them!
View on GoogleCommon Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Those who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may present a number of different signs, including:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Excessive snoring
- Waking up and gasping for air
- Headaches after waking up
- Dry mouth after waking up
- Irritability
- Difficulty focusing
It's possible that you may not notice the signs of sleep apnea yourself, but your bed partner or housemates might. Take them seriously if they express concern over these OSA symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
At San Angelo Smiles, Dr. Teja uses oral appliances to keep the upper airway open for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. If you require a different approach for your sleep disorder, Dr. Teja can refer you to a specialist.
Oral Appliance
Dr. Teja can design a custom mouthpiece that fits comfortably over your teeth and repositions your lower jaw to a forward position during the night, opening your airways and reducing snoring. Studies have shown that oral appliances are effective for 50% of obstructive sleep apnea sufferers, including those with severe obstructive sleep apnea.
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP, involves wearing a mask that delivers positive air pressure to keep the airways open while you sleep.
Combining Oral Appliances and CPAP
If an oral appliance alone fails to help you achieve restful sleep, or if you do not like using a CPAP machine, Dr. Teja may recommend a special combination of the two. This involves administering air pressure through a nasal device while also wearing the oral appliance.
Surgery
If non-invasive options are unable to help you overcome issues caused by excess tissue, large tonsils, or enlarged adenoids, surgery may be recommended. During the procedure, a surgeon can remove the excess tissue to improve airflow.
See How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affects Your Breathing
Diagnosis and Treatment
To determine which approach is best for your case, Dr. Teja must gather information about your health history, sleep patterns, and more.
The Stages of Sleep Apnea Treatment
In addition to reducing snoring throughout the night, a custom oral appliance can help you feel well-rested and improve your quality of life.
"I Am Very Pleased with the Results" More 5-Star Google Reviews
Donna Alexander
2020
Dr. Teja may be the best dentist I have ever encountered. He has done extensive dental work for me and I am very pleased with the results. He is kind and caring in the process. There was no pain of any consequence.
View on GoogleKeely Lorenz
2020
Dr.Teja and staff saw me the day I needed to without an appointment. Grateful for his staff to fit me in. Very clean establishment, and professional as well.
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Seek Care
It Can Improve Emotional and Physical Symptoms
Oral Appliances versus CPAP
Although continuous positive airway pressure devices are effective, many people find that they prefer oral appliances because:
- They can be more comfortable to wear than CPAP masks.
- Oral appliances do not cause dry or itchy sinuses.
- CPAP involves tubes and other equipment that can become tangled or knocked around in the night.
- It is far easier to travel with an oral appliance.
The DNA Appliance
At our San Angelo, TX, practice, we offer the DNA Appliance® (Daytime Nighttime Appliance) by Vivos. It is a non-surgical sleep apnea option that encourages the airway to open up by developing the upper jaw to its full genetic potential.
When worn, the DNA appliance expands the width of your bite and shifts the jaw forward to reduce or completely alleviate airway obstruction.
Lifestyle Changes Can Also Minimize Your Symptoms
The risk factors for sleep apnea include being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. While some risk factors, such as age, are beyond your control, adopting a healthier lifestyle and other habits can reduce symptoms such as daytime sleepiness and high blood pressure.
Stop Drinking and Smoking
Research has shown a link between habitual drinking and breathing issues during sleep. In addition, quitting smoking can reduce sleep apnea and prevent other health problems.
Lose Weight
Researchers at the American College of Physicians (ACP) have found that for many patients, weight loss is an effective method of improving the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Lay on Your Side
At San Angelo Smiles, we recommend sleeping on your side instead of on your back. This can prevent the muscles in your throat from blocking oxygen flow in the night.
A Holistic Approach TO TREATING SLEEP APNEA IN SAN ANGELO, TX
Dr. Max Teja wants you to know that while sleep apnea may not seem like a big concern, it can be detrimental to your overall health. His treatments are designed to not only cut down on symptoms such as snoring and daytime fatigue, but also prevent you from placing harmful strain on your respiratory and circulatory systems.
If you're curious about oral appliances and how they can improve your sleep and well-being, fill out our contact form or call our San Angelo, TX, office:
(325) 223-2373
Why Choose San Angelo Smiles?
Free Consultations
San Angelo Smiles is proud to provide free consultations to patients. During your sleep apnea consultation, your dental professional can check for signs of sleep apnea and recommend a treatment plan incorporating an oral appliance or a combination of continuous positive airway pressure and an oral appliance.
Comprehensive Care
Dr. Teja has over 40 years of experience in the field of dentistry. He can provide his patients with solutions for OSA as well as all kinds of dental concerns, all under one roof. Even if he can't treat your sleep apnea, Dr. Teja can refer you to a qualified specialist.
"Above and beyond"
Erika Rudolph
2021
Dr. Teja and his staff are amazing! They went above and beyond to make us feel at ease with any procedure we have had.
View on GoogleLeslie Fisher
2021
These folks are simply wonderful! Very caring and thorough. Great place, I highly recommend.
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