Sleep apnea is a condition that affects breathing patterns during sleep. It can lead to serious complications including increased blood pressure and heart issues.
At Tilden Dental Group in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Jordan Tilden and Dr. Zachary Tilden can offer innovative solutions to patients suffering from sleep apnea to improve the quality of their sleep and their quality of life.
Keep reading to learn more about how our team at Tilden Dental Group can help patients with sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is characterized by short interruptions of the breathing pattern of an individual while they are asleep.
There are two major types of sleep apnea depending on their main cause:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway due to the collapse of the tissues in the back of the throat.
Central Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea is caused by the brain not signaling the lungs to expand over time.
Some individuals may experience mixed sleep apnea, a condition that combines both OSA and CSA symptoms and causes.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
- Insufficient supply of oxygen to the body
- Inability to sleep soundly through the night
- Frequent pauses in the breathing cycle while asleep
- Blockage of the airway due to the collapse of the throat’s tissues
- Restlessness or feeling sleepy during the day
- Sore throat
- Frequent headaches, especially right after waking up
- Bruxism or grinding the teeth while asleep
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
A thorough diagnosis of your sleep disorder may include a sleep study will be conducted by your sleep specialist at a sleep center.
Following the examination, Dr. Tilden will determine which type of treatment best suits your needs.
The most common solutions for relieving the symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)
Mandibular advancement devices are customized oral appliances that bring the lower jaw forward and enlarge the opening to the airway allowing more air to enter the lungs.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAPs are oral devices that consist of an oxygen cylinder connected to a comfortably fitting face mask that the patient must wear throughout the night.
If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, reach out to Tilden Dental Group in Chicago, Illinois by calling us at (312) 664-6616, scheduling a consultation online, or visiting us at 331 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611.
