Sleep Apnea Screening

Are you always tired, no matter how much you sleep? Does your spouse complain about your constant snoring? University Family Dental Studio might be able to help if you have one or both of these problems.

Sleep apnea causes sleep to be interrupted repeatedly each night, many times an hour. When sleep is interrupted, the sleep cycle must begin again. Repeated beginnings keep the patient from entering the deep stage of sleep needed to rest the body and allow the mind to reset for the day. This leaves the patient tired, even though it seems that they got a full night of sleep. Snoring is the major symptom of sleep apnea as this is a mechanical problem of the nose and throat. In the supine position, the airway is closed off, making the snoring sound. Chronic snoring will also lead to morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat in the morning.

Bruxism (teeth grinding) can also be a sign of sleep apnea. Your dentist may be the first person to suggest that you have this sleep disorder. If the tops of the teeth are worn down, further examination for sleep apnea may be suggested.

The main treatment for sleep apnea is typically a CPAP machine to force the airways to stay open when asleep, although some airway obstructions can also be solved with a custom-fitted oral appliance. Each night, the patient places the appliance in the mouth to keep the jaw in a forward position. It fits like a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and prevents sleep interruptions.

University Family Dental Studio can provide diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Call 269-471-5244 for an appointment.