What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that disrupts your sleep. Unfortunately, about one in ten people suffer from sleep apnea. During obstructive sleep apnea, which most people with sleep apnea suffer from, your tongue blocks your airway. Since this stops your brain from getting oxygen, your brain will briefly wake to allow for normal breathing. Unfortunately, this constant waking during rest causes your brain and your body to experience fatigue over time.
The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many people live with sleep apnea without a proper diagnosis. However, there are certain warning signs that you should be aware of. For example, waking up with a dry mouth or a morning headache could mean that you didn’t have a restful sleep. Additionally, experiencing insomnia or daytime fatigue is telling as well.
You may not notice other symptoms of sleep apnea until a partner tells you. These symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, and periods of short breaths during sleep. If you experience any of these symptoms, see an Anchorge sleep dentist.
Patient Testimonials
The team at Dr. Crosby’s is the best! Very gentle kind and caring. Easy to book and reschedule with. Office is very clean and comfortable. I tell everyone I know about this office when the topic of conversation comes up. Best dentist of my life!!!!!
Dr. Crosby and his team are wonderful! I had multiple fillings and a crown and it was literally one of the easiest dental appointments I’ve had. I was comfortable throughout the entire procedure. I highly recommend this dental practice!
Dr. Crosby is amazing! He has done 3 of my implants and crowns are done on the same day. This is a huge benefit for someone living in rural Alaska, like myself. The staff is so professional and kind. Thank you Dr. Crosby and your staff for the wonderful care I get when I’m in your office.
I have been using Dr. Crosby for many years and his work has always been excellent. Recently I asked his help with a dental emergency. He immediately reorganized to treat the problem which was solved very quickly, professionally and successfully. Such good service is exceptional these days! Thank you.
Sleep Apnea Has Lasting Effects
You may think that these symptoms don’t sound too bad since morning headaches or a dry throat seem pretty easy to manage. However, you should know that sleep apnea has lasting effects on multiple aspects of your life.
First, apnea causes daytime fatigue. Though mild sleepiness is manageable, constant fatigue could lead to drowsiness both at home and at work. Additionally, people with fatigue get into more workplace accidents and car accidents. Fatigue also leads to an ill-temper, which could present as irritability or anger instead of being your best self.
Also, sudden drops in blood oxygen put a strain on your cardiovascular system. In other words, you could develop high blood pressure (hypertension) or other heart problems. This increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Other conditions that could arise are Type 2 Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and liver disorders. Therefore, if you or a loved one shows signs of sleep apnea, you should seek treatment immediately.
Oral Appliances for a Restful Sleep
At Dr. Richard Crosby General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a comfortable, reliable sleep apnea method. Instead of large, loud CPAP machines, we use oral appliances to make it easier for you to treat sleep apnea.
After your diagnosis, we will scan your smile using a CT scanner. This will allow us to prepare a custom-fit oral appliance for your smile to increase your health. The plastic appliance fits like a mouthguard and repositions your jaw and tongue to allow for constant airflow while you sleep.
Since we use a comfortable, easy method, you’ll get restful sleep without the hassle of a CPAP machine.
Your Sleep Apnea Specialist in Anchorage
If you suffer from sleep apnea, it’s time to get some relief. Both you and your partner deserve to have restful nights ahead of you. To learn more about oral appliance therapy and how it can help sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with our team at Dr. Richard Crosby General & Cosmetic Dentistry. Call us at (907) 277-1098 to schedule your appointment.
