Sleep Apnea Specialist
20 percent of all Americans have sleep apnea, which, at the very least, prevents them sleeping adequately enough to feel well rested. At worst, it can be a life-threatening condition. At Fourth Ward Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Raghav Sundaresh, has extensive experience helping patients in area breathe easier at night. If you’re suffering from lack of adequate sleep, call us or set up an appointment online
What is meant by sleep apnea?
Do your snore in your sleep? If yes then it can develop into chronic sleep apnea if untreated. If you don’t know what to do with this condition then Fourth Ward Dentistry is the place where you can get expert advice and multiple treatment options from our dentist to treat sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can be benign snoring and in some cases, it can make the patients experience terminations in their breathing patterns and may abruptly gasp for air or obstruct breathing in their sleep. Sleep apnea can result in severe lethargy during the day, as well as hopelessness, memory loss, and reduced drive.
Do I need treatment for sleep apnea?
The first step is to get a sleep test done with a qualified medical provider to access the level of your sleep apnea. For severe cases, a CPAP machine might be the only option. For mild to moderate cases, a CPAP machine might not be the best option since it is bulky and hard to travel with.
Oral appliances work well for these cases by opening up the airway and allowing the patient to breathe better. When combined with other lifestyle changes and changes in sleeping habits, oral applicances can truly make a huge difference in a patient’s quality of life.
What is the treatment procedure for sleep apnea appliances?
The extent of symptoms for sleep apnea matters a lot in planning the treatment. If the condition is mild then the dentist at Fourth Ward Dentistry may recommend conventional approaches, such as changes in lifestyle and sleep modifications.
If these don’t work for you then, Dr Raghav Sundaresh may suggest an oral appliance, that will alter the position of the lower jaw to open up the airway.
Are there any steps I need to take to improve my outcome?
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), losing weight is one of the most effective ways of alleviating sleep apnea and. The AAOMS suggests that losing just 10 pounds can be enough to help open up your airways and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Other ways of preventing the condition include changing your sleep position, avoiding tobacco products, and maintaining regular sleeping patterns. Some patients find it beneficial to sleep with their heads propped up, whereas others find relief by sleeping with a support underneath their backs
To help everyone sleep easier at night, call Fourth Ward Dentistry to learn more about the treatments for sleep apnea.