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Even though sleep apnea is a common—and harmful—condition, few people have heard of it and know its symptoms. It is important to be aware of this sleep disorder so you will recognize its symptoms and receive treatment for its effects. Dr. Michael J. Groover offers treatment for sleep apnea in Savannah, Georgia, in order to improve not only your overall health, but your quality of life as well. Patients will no longer have to suffer from this dangerous condition when they visit our dentist at Groover Family Dentistry.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are two types of sleep apnea disorders, and we treat the most common kind: obstructive sleep apnea. With this condition, your airway becomes blocked as your soft oral and throat tissues relax and collapse when you sleep. This blockage causes your breathing to pause repeatedly throughout the night. When you stop breathing like this, you are constantly pulled out of deep sleep, which puts strain on your body. This strain and lack of a good night’s rest has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and several other serious health conditions. Sleep apnea can also cause a snoring problem to develop, which can keep your family up at night. Those who have sleep apnea usually do not feel rested in the morning and do not sleep well at night. If you show any signs of sleep apnea, then visit our office so we can treat it.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Many of the signs of sleep apnea are also symptoms commonly seen in other health problems, such as depression. However, if you still display these symptoms after receiving treatment for other disorders, then you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Some of the symptoms to watch for include:
- Loud snoring
- Frequently waking throughout the night
- Restless sleep
- Waking gasping for breath
- Constant fatigue
- Waking with a sore throat
- Moodiness or troubles concentrating throughout the day
- Having a decreased sex drive
- Insomnia
- Feeling sleepy while driving or performing other tasks
Treatments For Sleep Apnea
Wearing a CPAP mask while sleeping is one of the most common sleep apnea treatments; however, some patients may find this option difficult or uncomfortable. We offer oral appliances at Groover Family Dentistry as an alternative treatment option. These custom-fitted appliances help your airway stay clear by keeping your oral structures in place. Many of our patients are able to sleep comfortably while wearing an appliance and enjoy the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep.
If you think that you may suffer from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with our dentist for diagnosis and treatment.