Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. At Perry Smiles, we offer effective treatment options to help manage this condition, improve your sleep quality, and enhance your overall health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Perry, OK
Sleep apnea is defined as a condition that causes you to experience frequent and recurring shortness of breath while sleeping. It can be caused by the individual’s throat becoming overly relaxed while sleeping which blocks the airways and prevents normal breathing. This is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea.
Signs of sleep apnea include poor sleeping habits, frequent sore throats, recurring headaches, and a general inability to get a restful night’s sleep. It’s important to note the difference between sleep apnea and snoring. Snoring is simply caused by tissue vibration in the mouth and nose. While it is a major symptom of sleep apnea, snoring alone is not enough to diagnose sleep apnea.
We’re concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep disruptive disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with this condition before an attack. Our training allows us to offer you education and treatment surrounding sleep health in the simplest and most cost-effective way possible.
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How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. A sleep study can confirm the diagnosis.
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Is sleep apnea treatment covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover sleep apnea treatment. Our staff can help you understand your coverage.
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Can dental devices be as effective as CPAP machines?
For mild to moderate sleep apnea, dental devices can be very effective. They are also easier to use and maintain, making them a popular alternative to CPAP for some patients.
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What causes sleep-disordered breathing?
Snoring and sleep apnea occur when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse, resulting in a narrowed airway opening. The snoring sound is caused by the vibration of these tissues. Complete closure of the airway is an “apnea event,” which means that no air is getting into the lungs. The causal factors may be:
• Structural – narrow jaw, large tongue, enlarged tonsils, enlarged adenoids, thick soft palate, small nasal valve, or deviated septum
• Other factors – allergies, overconsumption of alcohol, sedatives,
smoking, and disruption of normal sleep patterns, or decreased lung capacity (often caused by obesity) -
What problems can sleep-disordered breathing cause?
• Poor performance at work or school
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability
• Depression/Anxiety
• Workplace or auto accidents
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart failure and heart attack
More Questions?
If you think that you may have sleep apnea, don’t wait. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will be able to enjoy a night of restful, uninterrupted sleep. Contact the team at Perry Smiles for a sleep apnea consultation.