Sleep Apnea
Improved Health With a Good Night's Sleep
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat, blocking the airway and stopping airflow. This causes low blood oxygen levels and once the oxygen level of the brain gets low enough, the sleeper will partially awaken with a loud gasping noise to clear the airway.
Oral surgery at Full Smile Dental is a safe and effective way to treat OSA. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options are available for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, and Dalhart, TX. Contact our practice to start your journey to a healthier night’s rest.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
There are many signs of obstructive sleep apnea that you or your bed partner may notice, such as:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Headaches in the mornings
- Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping
- Hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness
- Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep reported by a bed partner
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Loud snoring can indicate sleep apnea, but not everyone with sleep apnea snores. It’s important to have these signs and symptoms evaluated by a professional to determine if sleep apnea is the cause and how to treat it.
Risks of Leaving Obstructive Sleep Apnea Untreated
Your body and brain require oxygen during sleep to function properly. When the amount of oxygen is impaired, it can have serious consequences to your overall health. Long-term risks of leaving OSA untreated include:
- Feeling moody or depressed
- Children with sleep apnea may perform poorly in school or have behavioral problems
- Falling asleep while driving or working
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of complications during surgery or when using certain medications
- Abnormal liver function
- Decrease in a partner’s sleep quality
- Stroke
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Heart attack
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Your oral surgeon will assess the anatomy of your oral and maxillofacial region with 3D scans. Your surgeon may recommend a sleep study to monitor your vitals and oral function overnight. There are several treatments available, and we will consider nonsurgical methods before surgical ones.
Nonsurgical treatments include the use of a CPAP machine that delivers oxygen through a nasal mask, limiting obstruction, or an oral appliance to wear at night that prevents the airway from collapsing. These methods are helpful for many patients.
If traditional methods are ineffective, surgery may be recommended. This may include soft palate surgery to remove excess tissue in the throat, using instruments to shrink and tighten throat tissues, widening the nasal passages, or corrective jaw surgery to reposition the jaws.
The team at Full Smile Dental will discuss all of your options, their benefits and risks, and help you choose the right treatment for your specific needs. By treating your obstructive sleep apnea, you get a better night’s sleep, feel better throughout the day, and greatly reduce the risk of severe health complications associated with sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, and Dalhart, TX
Full Smile Dental provides exceptional dental and oral surgery care to patients of all ages. Our team of general and cosmetic dentists, pediatric dentists, and oral surgeons are committed to going beyond the standard of care for every patient. Each of our offices are equipped with advanced technology and accept many forms of payment and financing to make your oral health treatment more affordable. If you snore loudly, gasp for air at night, or feel tired and irritable during the day, you may have obstructive sleep apnea. Our team of oral health experts offer surgical and nonsurgical treatments for sleep apnea so you can achieve a better, healthier night’s sleep.
Experience the Full Smile Difference
Receive thoughtful oral surgery and dental care in a modern and comfortable setting. Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team ensure every experience is made exceptional. We look forward to serving you and your loved ones.