Sleep Apnea Therapy Services
Did you know that some dentists can help patients with snoring and sleep apnea? Dr. Aich is one of a handful of dentists in the Chicago area with special training in dental sleep medicine, an area of dental practice in which qualified dentists use oral appliances to treat sleep disorders related to breathing. We offer several treatment options for those suffering from poor quality sleep and work together with our patients to achieve better quality of life and healthier well-being.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The two main types of sleep apnea are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). CSA occurs when the brain does not send the signals needed to breathe during sleep. OSA is more common and occurs when an upper airway is blocked due to throat or tongue tissues. Some patients may experience a combination of the two sleep apneas, which is referred to as Complex Sleep Apnea.
It's estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80% of moderate and severe cases undiagnosed.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep quality has a dramatic impact on health, well-being and overall quality of life. Poor sleep quality resulting from sleep apnea not only disrupts your sleep but can also increase your risk of severe health problems such as heart attack, glaucoma, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive and behavioral disorders.
If you snore loudly and/or feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, it’s important to remember that snoring is a warning sign that should not be ignored.
The most common signs and symptoms of obtrusive sleep apnea (OSA) include:
Loud or frequent snoring
Silent pauses in breathing during sleep
Choking or gasping sounds during sleep
Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
Waking in the morning and not feeling refreshed
Insomnia
Morning headaches
Waking during the night to go to the bathroom
Difficulty concentrating
Memory loss
Decreased sexual desire
Irritability
If you experience any of the above, visiting a sleep dentist like Dr. Aich is the first step to treating these symptoms.
What is a Sleep Dentist?
A sleep dentist is a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of sleep apnea with oral appliances and other dental devices. If you experience any of the common symptoms, Dr. Aich will do a sleep apnea screening in order to determine the treatment needed.
If you think you may have sleep apnea…
Proper diagnosis is the first step. Contact us for a consultation or book an appointment if you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea. We will do an assessment and recommend the next steps you can take to get the treatment needed.
Treatment & Services
Dr. Aich works with her patients to determine the best course of treatment following a screening and diagnosis. There are two main oral appliances that can be used to treat sleep apnea discussed below.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Obstructive sleep apnea often causes interruptions or pauses in breathing during sleep and can be treated with a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine is a commonly prescribed device that helps a patient to breathe normally by sending a steady flow of oxygen into the nose and mouth during sleep.
Mandibular Advancement Device
A mandibular advancement device is another possible treatment for sleep apnea. It is an oral appliance that moves the jaw and tongue forward in order to allow the airway space to open. This helps to reduce throat constriction and snoring.