406-655-4210 Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder caused by blockages in your airway while asleep, such as the soft tissues of the throat collapsing or the tongue rolling back. This condition is characterized by pauses and interruptions in breathing patterns while asleep. If your loved one suffers from sleep apnea, you may notice that they cease to breathe entirely for 10 seconds or more at a time. When left untreated, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems and other serious medical conditions.
Many people suffering from OSA are unaware that they have this condition. Often, the first person to notice a problem is a loved one. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Choking or gasping sensations during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Long pauses or interruptions in breathing
- Shortness of breath upon waking in the night
- Headaches in the morning after waking
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Poor, fitful or restless sleep
- Depression, irritability or moodiness
- Difficulty sleeping at night
There are several different treatments available to help manage sleep apnea, ranging from oral appliance therapy to surgical procedures. Patients with mild to moderate OSA may benefit from an oral appliance, which will help keep airways open while you sleep. Those with more severe forms of OSA may require a CPAP device or surgical treatment. Dr. Remington Townsend or Dr. Jacob Condon will work with you to determine which type of sleep apnea treatment is most appropriate for your needs.
We welcome you to contact Remington Family Dental at 406-655-4210 to schedule a consultation with our skilled dentists and learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Billings, Montana. We are committed to helping you improve your health and get the rest you need!
