Breathing and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Longmont CO
At Dental Horizons in Longmont, we understand that chronic sleep loss is a significant issue that is impacting many Americans. In fact, an incredible 45% of adults snore occasionally, while more than 25% are habitual snorers.
Many patients searching for a sleep apnea dentist in Longmont, Colorado, begin exploring treatment options after noticing symptoms such as loud snoring, interrupted breathing during sleep, or chronic fatigue.
Our sleep apnea dentist in Longmont, Colorado, is here to help with breathing wellness solutions that are customized to meet the needs of each of our patients and help them achieve the sleep they need!
What causes snoring?
Often caused by poor muscle tone in your throat and tongue, snoring can happen when your tongue moves backward and contacts the back of your throat, causing it to restrict normal airflow. This prompts your throat and tongue to vibrate with each breath, creating a snoring sound. For some patients, enlarged tonsils and adenoids can also cause snoring.
A consultation with our trusted sleep apnea dentist in Longmont, Colorado, can help determine whether snoring may be related to airway obstruction or other sleep-related breathing issues.
If I snore, does it mean I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?
While more than 22 million Americans suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, OSA is a debilitating sleep disorder that occurs when a patient’s throat muscles relax, causing them to stop and start breathing while sleeping. And while snoring can be a symptom of OSA, the conditions aren’t always linked.
Patients who experience OSA will likely snore and/or gasp for air during the night and experience dry mouth. During the day, they’re likely to experience insomnia, wake up with a headache, and feel distracted, groggy, tired, depressed, or anxious. They can also experience serious health conditions or even death as a result of this condition.
How do I know if I have OSA?
After thoroughly evaluating your symptoms and medical history, we’ll refer you to a sleep specialist who will conduct a sleep study and record your vital signs, your oxygen levels in your blood, your respiratory and brain activity, as well as your chest movements and snoring. If it’s determined that you have OSA, the study will determine the severity and may provide insight into what’s causing it.
If I have OSA, how can Dental Horizons help?
If you have OSA, we have two treatment options designed to help you achieve the restful sleep you need:
At Dental Horizons, our team is dedicated to helping you care for your oral and overall health with customized services to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the quality sleep you need!
Breathing profoundly affects every system in our body – circulatory, skeletal, digestive, nervous, and numerous others. The healthy function of all these systems is directly impacted by the oxygen we breathe, whether its saturation is adequate or severely lacking, or somewhere in between. At Dental Horizons, when we’re able to improve a patient’s oral anatomy with a dental appliance that increases breath capacity and therefore oxygen uptake, there is a direct correlation to improved overall health, especially for those experiencing sleep apnea shallow breathing.
FAQs
What does a sleep apnea dentist do?
Our sleep apnea dentist in Longmont, Colorado, focuses on identifying oral and airway factors that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. We can work with sleep specialists to provide oral appliance therapy designed to support healthy breathing during sleep.
What are the most common sleep apnea treatment options?
Common treatments include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical procedures. Dental appliances are often recommended for patients who may benefit from repositioning the jaw to maintain an open airway during sleep. Book a personalized consultation to learn more via our Contact page.
When should I see a sleep apnea dentist for snoring?
If snoring is loud, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as choking, gasping, or excessive daytime fatigue, it is helpful to consult our dental professional experienced in sleep-related breathing disorders. Call us today to schedule a visit at (720) 526-3146.
Is oral appliance therapy an effective sleep apnea treatment?
For certain patients, oral appliance therapy can be an effective option for managing mild to moderate sleep apnea. These appliances are designed to reposition the jaw and tongue to help maintain a clearer airway during sleep.
Can a sleep apnea dentist help with mild sleep apnea treatment?
Yes. Our devoted dental professional trained in airway-focused treatments may provide oral appliance therapy and collaborate with sleep specialists to help patients manage mild sleep apnea symptoms. For more information and support, connect with our team at (720) 526-3146.
