Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Wellesley, MA
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you’re feeling exhausted, waking up with a dry mouth, or dealing with constant snoring, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. This serious sleep disorder disrupts your breathing while you sleep, leaving you more tired and at risk for long-term health issues.
Take the first step toward healthier sleep now. It’s time to sleep better and feel better!
Struggling with Snoring, Fatigue, or Nighttime Breathing Problems?
Contact us to schedule your consultation and get your FREE Sleep Health Assessment Today!
Why Choose Wellesley Dental Group for Sedation Dentistry?
- Quick & Easy Diagnosis Simple at-home sleep test to detect any sleep apnea.
- Personalized Treatment Plans Sleep Apnea solutions tailored to your needs.
- Experienced Dentists Work with our team of qualified dentists who are dedicated to improving your quality of care.
- Expert Sleep Partnership Sleep Architects is a unique 360° Sleep Apnea solution backed by leaders in sleep medicine, that brings board-certified sleep doctors together with our dentists in treating sleep disorders for our patients.
You Deserve Better Sleep, Start Today
- Book Your Consultation: Schedule a sleep apnea assessment with a trusted specialist.
- Take Our Sleep Health Assessment: We’ll identify the cause of your symptoms with a simple questionnaire.
- Discuss Treatment: Explore personalized treatment options that work for YOU.
Break Free from Exhaustion. Sleep Soundly, Live Fully.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it, and many believe they are getting a good night's sleep when, in fact, they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our dental office.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don't receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.
What are risk factors for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated it can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery; sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, let your family doctor know before taking prescribed medication or having surgery.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.
What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?
Contact our dental office, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.