Sleep Apnea Treatment – Jacksonville, FL

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Apnea is defined as a "cessation of breath".  Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues of the mouth and throat relax and close off the airway during sleep.  When we are awake, our brain simply forces air past these tissues.  By contrast, during sleep many people have periods of time when they do not breath.  Each of these can occur individually but are often found together.

What are the Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is extremely dangerous.  To simplify things, when the brain notices that insufficient oxygen is being delivered, it tells the cardiovascular system to work harder than normal.  The American Sleep Apnea Association states that people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, accidents, diabetes, and depression.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring.  That said, some people fall in a much higher risk category.  The highest risk category would be a heavy set man that smokes and consumes alcohol in the evening but any of these factors can increase risk.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

People that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea often find themselves waking from sleep gasping for air.  Others do not know they have the disease at all.  People often find themselves fatigued in the mornings, experiencing headaches upon arousal, feeling depressed or grumpy, never feeling fully rested, or feeling drowsy during the morning or day.  Often a bed partner can be of great assistance in finding signs and symptoms.  Many bed partners report snoring, cessations of breathing, and teeth grinding.

How Can I Obtain a Diagnosis?

A bed partner generally can give a pretty accurate diagnosis for snoring.  A diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea is provided by a sleep physician.  Some physicians have take-home studies that can be used for assistance for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea.  Others will bring patients into a special facility and monitor sleep nd measure factors like heartbeat, oxygen levels, and arousal.

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treated?

The gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea management is the CPAP.  CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure.  Essentially the CPAP gently forces air through the airway to help overcome the obstruction.  At this time, all studies show that the CPAP is the most effective method of treatment.  So why isn't it the only treatment?  One of the main problems with the CPAP is lack of compliance in use.  Many people find that they simply cannot tolerate the mask and attachments and they do not wear it as a result.  This is obviously dangerous.

As a result of this major challenge, the dentist has become one of the more valuable team members in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.  As stated above, an accurate diagnosis is necessary.  Dr. Bradberry works with local sleep physicians to obtain a diagnosis.  From there, a discussion can ensue regarding treatment.  If all parties agree that the dental appliance is a good treatment option, we can fabricate the appliance.

To simplify things, the dental appliance protrudes the jaw forward.  Soft tissues in the mouth and throat that were once blocking the airway are now gently stretched.  This allows the safe passage of air through the airway.  The body now can receive a healthy inflow of oxygen.

Ready to Start Sleeping Better?

If you would like any more information or would like to recieve a consultation, feel free to contact us at any time by clicking here or calling at (904)751-4958.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Worried you might be exhibiting the symptoms associated with sleep apnea in North Jacksonville? If so, you do not want to wait to seek appropriate treatment. By seeing a sleep expert who can help you breathe easier and rest better, you will notice a dramatic difference in your quality of life. At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, we understand this process can be a bit overwhelming, leaving you to have many questions about treatment and the impact sleep apnea can have on your daily life. This is why we’ve compiled some of the most common questions for you to review. If you do not find your question listed below or have others you would like to ask, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.

How can sleep apnea lead to cardiovascular problems?

When suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you likely have difficulty sleeping throughout the night. Typically, those with OSA can experience one or even 100 episodes while asleep. These include the airway becoming obstructed, resulting in ceased breathing for more than 10 seconds. As a result, the brain triggers the body to breathe, causing you to wake gasping or choking for air. Because this can happen over and over throughout the night, your blood pressure can rise and fall. Over time, this puts additional strain on your heart, often resulting in a stroke, heart attack, arrhythmia, or heart failure.

I snore, does that mean I have sleep apnea?

Although snoring is one of the most identifiable signs of sleep apnea, it does not necessarily mean you suffer from OSA. The same can be said for those with sleep apnea, though. Snoring isn’t always connected. If you do snore and learn you don’t have OSA, it could be that your age, weight, medications, lifestyle habits, or difficulties with sinus congestion could be the cause.

Should you learn from a partner or friend that you appear to choke or gasp for air while asleep, you should be checked for sleep apnea.

Will dental insurance cover my sleep apnea treatment?

If you choose to receive oral appliance therapy, you might assume that you will file with your dental insurance. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as dental insurers do not offer coverage for items considered to be a medical treatment. Because sleep apnea mechanisms fall into the category of “medical devices,” you will need to file with your health insurance. At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, our team can help you navigate this process with ease.

What can I do at home to improve my sleep apnea symptoms?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. However, there are changes you can make to your daily life that can help improve your situation and minimize the symptoms you might experience, such as:

• Kicking the habit and avoiding all tobacco products
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Exercise and eat healthy foods to maintain a healthy weight
• Find ways to alleviate stress