sleepapneafl-blog

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Sleep Apnea Symptoms Weston Florida Sleep Disorder Dentist

Weston Florida Specialist Explains When It’s Time to Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Weston dentist Stephen J. Pyle has expanded his practice to include the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea for his patients. A specialist in the design of sleep apnea dental appliances, Dr. Pyle has brought relief from heavy snoring, daytime fatigue and drowsiness and reduced the risk of serious sleep apnea health risks for many of his Weston patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a much bigger problem than simply causing loud snoring. In essence, the sleep apnea patient is sporadically cutting off oxygen to the blood supply which has a detrimental effect on all the organs including the brain and the heart. Undertreated sleep apnea can contribute to stroke, heart attack, hypertension, diabetes and Alzheimer's. It's a serious condition and unfortunately, one that mostly goes undiagnosed.

Do You Know the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

While there are no firm and fast symptoms that point specifically to obstructive sleep apnea, there are several common conditions that would warrant a trip to a sleep disorder specialist for evaluation. These symptoms include:

Regular occurrences of snoring loud enough to awaken a partner

Periods of breathlessness observed by another person

Waking up with "dry mouth" or a headache

Feeling drowsy or fatigued during the day

Difficulty staying asleep

Waking up gasping for air

These symptoms take on more relevance if you are obese, have a large neck size or routinely sleep on your back. Sleep apnea is caused by the blockage of the airway when the tongue and soft tissue in the back of the mouth collapse when relaxed (sleep). Gravity obviously plays a role and the more pressure or weight you place on that area the greater the chance of collapse.

It's important to remember that sleep apnea can only be diagnosed by a sleep disorder MD. However, Dr. Pyle is trained in the treatment of sleep apnea and can assess the conditions in your mouth and refer you to a Weston area sleep apnea specialist for diagnosis.

If you feel that sleep apnea has become part of your life, feel free to call Weston dentistry office for an evaluation by Dr. Pyle. Sleep apnea is a serious condition but recent advances have made its treatment far less intrusive and much more comfortable than before. Call us today with your questions.

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Weston Florida’s Sleep Disorder Specialists Explain How To Choose a Sleep Apnea Appliance

Your doctor has probably already told you that a sleep apnea appliance fits in your mouth much like a sports guard or retainer and that you wear it at night to minimize the snoring and gasping that comes with sleep apnea. The net result for most people with mild to moderate OSA is a better night's sleep and more energy during the day.

If you suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and your doctor has told you that a sleep apnea appliance is an appropriate therapy for you, Dr. Stephen J. Pyle "Weston's first dentist" wants to offer some tips on what to consider and what to expect when selecting an appliance.

To help you with your introduction to sleep apnea appliances Dr. Pyle recommends:

Side effects. Your device is custom fitted but you may experience slight facial pain or sore jaw muscles when you first use it. Typically this discomfort disappears within an hour of removing the device and disappears entirely once your jaw muscles become adapted to the repositioning. Your dentist may make several adjustments over a period of time to achieve optimal performance.

Effectiveness. If you suffer a very mild case of sleep apnea you will see results almost immediately. For most people however, it will take an adjustment or two to get the full benefit.

Select your dentist carefully. Not every dentist is qualified to provide dental appliances for sleep apnea. When you select a dentistry practice for your therapy make certain that the dentist follows the standards established by The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

First sleep apnea visit. Your dentist will examine your entire mouth and take a physical or digital mold of your teeth which will be used in the custom design of your appliance. When the appliance is ready it should fit comfortably in your mouth and not impede your breathing or ability to speak. The device will slightly reposition your jaw to ensure your airway remains open while you sleep.