Sleep Apnea Treatment in St. Louis, MO
Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea at West County Dental
Has sleep apnea put a damper on your quality of life? You’re not alone. Sleep apnea affects thousands of Americans every day, and there is hope for treatment. The team at West County Dental wants to help you find relief with sleep apnea services. Based in St. Louis, MO, we’ve been helping patients sleep better for years. We understand a plethora of different treatments for this common condition, and we’ll work with you to find one that works with your circumstances. Perhaps you think you have sleep apnea but aren’t quite sure. We’ll help you diagnose your condition and find proper treatment.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea isn’t just difficulty falling and staying asleep. Sleep apnea refers to a condition in which a patient stops breathing in their sleep. This can occur up to 30 times per hour, and each time breathing stops, you’re awoken by the lack of oxygen. Most patients aren’t aware they’re waking up to restart breathing, so they may not realize why they’re feeling fatigued throughout the day. Even if you believe you’re getting a full night’s sleep, you could still be affected by sleep apnea. At West County Dental, we’ll help diagnose your condition.
Look for These Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Although some patients don’t realize they need sleep apnea services, this condition comes with several symptoms you can look for. Waking up in the middle of the night with shortness of breath is a clear sign of sleep apnea, as are choking sounds during the night. These symptoms are reasons to schedule an appointment with West County Dental. Additional signs of sleep apnea include the following:
- Insomnia
- Excessive, loud snoring
- Unexplained fatigue during the day
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Falling asleep during the day
- Chronic headaches in the morning
Finding the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for You
As with many conditions, treatment for sleep apnea varies on a case by case basis. Our sleep apnea services cover more than just one type of sleep apnea, and you may be prescribed basic treatments or more intensive solutions. Treatment for sleep apnea might be as simple as a change in your sleeping habits, like switching from sleeping on your side to your back. We might also recommend weight loss or stopping smoking to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Other patients might need additional treatment with oral devices that promote steady breathing throughout the night. If you’re dealing with a severe case of sleep apnea, West County Dental might recommend surgery for the best results.
Have Questions About Sleep Apnea?
A sleep apnea diagnosis comes accompanied by many questions, and rightfully so. West County Dental is here to make sure you understand your condition and feel comfortable with all treatments. You’re always welcome to call us with your questions or stop in to speak with our knowledgeable staff. Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below:
How Do Oral Devices Promote Breathing During Sleep?
A: Most oral devices are customized to fit your mouth. When used, the device repositions your jaw to keep your airway open as you sleep. Now that your airway is open, you can breathe comfortably throughout the night. Our sleep apnea services team will educate you on how to use your device.
Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
A: Some people might be more prone to sleep apnea than others. Sleep apnea tends to be more common in men over 40 years of age, although anyone can suffer from this condition. If you’re overweight, have a preexisting heart condition, or have a family history of the disorder, you’re at a higher risk as well. Excessive smoking, drinking, and use of sedatives will also increase your chances of sleep apnea.
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
A: If left unchecked, sleep apnea can lead to much more serious conditions. It can lead to stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and numerous different heart disorders. Untreated sleep apnea is also a surgery risk if you’re going to be under anesthesia. And of course, the extreme fatigue can mean consequences at your workplace or in your social life.
Contact West County Dental Today
Sleep apnea is a condition to be taken seriously. If you live in or around St. Louis, MO, West County Dental should be your first call when you notice symptoms. Our team will diagnose the problem and get to work deciding on a treatment plan. Contact us today to set up an appointment.