Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Are You Sleeping the Way You Should?

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, for many people, snoring and sleep apnea can disrupt their sleep, leading to a host of health problems. If you’re struggling with snoring or sleep apnea, Pearland Dental Group is here to help. Our experienced team of Pearland sleep apnea dentists and dental professionals can provide effective treatments to help you get the sleep you need.

What Are Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

Snoring is a common condition that occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in the throat, causing them to vibrate and produce a sound. While snoring is often harmless, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea.

 

Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea:

 

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – This is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the airway becomes blocked by the soft tissues in the back of the throat.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) – This type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Mixed sleep apnea (MSA) – This type of sleep apnea is characterized by a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea events.

Symptoms of Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The symptoms of apneic episodes and snoring are often very similar and they can vary from person to person. Symptoms of snoring or sleep apnea may include the following. 

Symptoms of Snoring:

  • Loud, disruptive snoring
  • Restless sleep
  • Waking up feeling tired or unrefreshed
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Headaches upon waking

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

  • Loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Restless sleep
  • Waking up feeling tired or unrefreshed
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Difficulty staying asleep

Problems Caused by Snoring and Sleep Apnea

In addition to causing a host of health problems, apneic episodes and nighttime disruptions like snoring can also have a negative impact on other areas of your life. Some common problems associated with these common sleep disorders include:

 

Health Problems:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Weight gain
  • Impaired immune function

 

Other Problems:

  • Strain on relationships due to disruptive snoring
  • Daytime fatigue leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Reduced quality of life

Treatments & CPAP Alternatives for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

At Pearland Dental Group, we offer a range of treatments and CPAP alternatives to help you manage symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea. Some of the most common treatments we offer include:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

This treatment involves wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a constant stream of air to keep your airway open.

Oral Appliance Therapy

This involves wearing a custom-fitted device in your mouth while you sleep. The device helps reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. Oral appliance therapy is often recommended as a treatment for those who couldn’t continue CPAP due to discomfort, noise, or other problems commonly associated with CPAP use.

Lifestyle Changes

Making changes to your lifestyle, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives, can help reduce the severity of snoring and apneic episodes.

Surgery 

For some individuals with severe snoring or sleep apnea, surgery may be a viable treatment option. Some common types of surgery for snoring and sleep apnea include:

 

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This surgery removes excess tissue from the throat, including the uvula, tonsils, and part of the soft palate, to widen the airway.
  • Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery involves moving the upper and lower jaw forward to increase the size of the airway.
  • Nasal Surgery: Surgery to address issues such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps can improve breathing through the nose, reducing the need to breathe

Frequently Asked Questions

Although there is no definitive cure for snoring or sleep apnea, there are several effective treatment options that can manage the condition and significantly improve your quality of life. By working with your healthcare provider and taking a proactive approach to managing your condition, you can experience significant relief from the symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea, including better sleep quality, increased energy levels, and improved overall health. 

No, a sleep study is necessary to diagnose sleep apnea. During a sleep study, you’ll be monitored overnight to evaluate your breathing patterns and other factors that may be contributing to your sleep apnea. Once your study is complete and your sleep dentist has an accurate diagnosis, they can prescribe effective treatment options. 

While snoring is often harmless, it can be a sign of a more serious condition such as sleep apnea. Even if you’re only dealing with snoring, it can disrupt your sleep and the sleep of your bed partners. It’s important to talk to your doctor or dentist if you’re experiencing frequent snoring or other sleep disturbances.

The timeline for seeing results from treatment for sleep apnea can vary depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the condition. It’s important to work closely with your sleep apnea dentist and primary care provider and follow their recommended treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Get Relief From Snoring & Sleep Apnea With Pearland Dental Group!

At Pearland Dental Group, we’re dedicated to helping our patients get the sleep they need to live healthy, happy lives. We serve Pearland and the surrounding areas, including Fresno, Houston, Alvin, and League City, TX.

 

If you’re struggling with snoring or sleep apnea, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Pearland Dental Group today at (281) 993-9900 or click the button below to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We offer a range of effective treatments to help you get the sleep you need and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, Pearland Dental Group is your trusted Pearland sleep apnea dentist.

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