Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is becoming a common health concern for Lake Oswego residents. Dr. Brad Sievert and the team at Westlake Family Dentistry offer treatment options for patients dealing with the effects of sleep apnea. Understanding what causes sleep apnea is the key to finding an appropriate treatment plan. Working with your dentist and other healthcare professionals will help you get your apnea under control.

Characteristics of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is easily recognized by the constant disruptions in a person’s breathing pattern. They can stop breathing more than one hundred times each night.  Other characteristics include:

• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Chronic headaches
• Loud, rumbling snoring
• Fatigue and drowsiness during the day
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate

A person dealing with sleep apnea may experience all or just a few of these symptoms.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea has many causes.  It’s not just because someone is overweight.  When something blocks the breathing passage, it is referred to as obstructive sleep apnea. If the tongue is allowed to slide back in the mouth during sleep, this is one type of obstructive sleep apnea.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

Oral appliance therapy is one way your dentist can treat your sleep apnea. Each appliance is customized to the individual. The device will fit securely in the mouth, holding the jaw and tongue in place so they will no longer obstruct your airway. Wearing the appliance every night will allow you to breathe normally while you sleep and eliminate any disruptions. With an oral appliance, you will not have to use a noisy CPAP machine.

If you live in the Lake Oswego, Oregon area and suffer from sleep apnea, contact Westlake Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment with Dr. Brad Sievert. After a thorough examination, Dr. Sievert will create an oral appliance customized just for you. By monitoring your sleep apnea, he can make any adjustments that may be needed. Existing patients should call (503) 636-4576 to schedule an appointment. New patients must call (503) 662-9176.