If you snore, wake up repeatedly during the night, and wake up tired, you may be one of the 30 million people in the U.S. with sleep apnea, a condition that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. This can occur when the tissue in your mouth and throat presses on your windpipe, preventing air from passing through. If left untreated or if your tongue falls back obstructing your airway, sleep apnea can have serious consequences that physically and mentally impact your day-to-day life, including mood changes and increased risk of other health conditions.
Our experienced team at Rockland Dental Specialists can help identify sleep apnea symptoms and develop a treatment plan based on your needs. With over 24 years of experience in the industry, our New City team understands what it takes to treat sleep apnea and communicate openly and honestly about its dangers. We approach every patient with compassion and care and prioritize their health and safety at all times. Our dedicated team always has your best interests in mind and strives to make you feel as comfortable as possible in our relaxing facilities.
8 Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be disruptive, preventing you from focusing and having energy during the day. However, it can be difficult to identify on your own, as many symptoms occur while you sleep. When left untreated, symptoms can worsen and make you vulnerable to more serious issues, including the following:
- Depression: Sleep apnea can cause low-quality sleep and leave you fatigued during the day, which could lead to depression and anxiety.
- Weight gain: Sleep apnea can increase your risk for obesity, which can worsen sleep apnea, creating a continuous cycle of weight gain and poor sleep.
- High blood pressure: Sudden drops in oxygen levels often can stress your cardiovascular system and raise your blood pressure.
- Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance is often linked with sleep apnea, meaning the disorder could lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated.
- Heart disease: Sleep apnea may disrupt regular blood flow through the heart, which may lead to irregular heartbeat, heart attack, or heart failure.
- Stroke: With frequently interrupted breathing that can disrupt blood flow to the brain, those with sleep apnea are at higher risk of strokes.
- Memory problems: Sleep apnea can cause memory issues and negatively impact cognitive performance due to a lack of high-quality sleep.
- Increased risk of accidents: The fatigue that sleep apnea causes increases the chance of car or work accidents.
If you have sleep apnea, you may not think daytime sleepiness can lead to other issues, but it’s crucial to prioritize your health and seek treatment to improve your quality of life. Our hardworking team at Rockland Dental Specialists can help find the best solution for you.
How Can a Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
Many sleep apnea patients use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to treat the issue, but this solution does not work for everyone. Our dentists at Rockland Dental Specialists can provide alternative treatments that can alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms, which may include the following:
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
A MAD is an oral device that fits over your upper and lower sets of teeth with a hinge connecting the two trays in the center. This appliance holds your jaw and pushes your tongue slightly forward during sleep to prevent the soft tissue in the back of your mouth from blocking your airway. Our attentive team can adjust the position of your MAD to optimize comfort and effectiveness.
Tongue-Retaining Mouthpieces
If you have less jaw flexibility, tongue-retaining mouthpieces may be a better option for your sleep apnea treatment. This appliance fits around your tongue and holds it in place so it doesn’t fall back into the airway during sleep.
Contact an Experienced Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists in New City, NY to Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you experience sleep apnea symptoms, it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid potential dangers like heart issues, memory problems, and depression. Depending on your condition and preferences, your doctor may recommend seeing a dentist for treatment. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we have over two decades of combined experience, so we have the skills and knowledge to develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Our caring team strives to leave you satisfied with your treatment and improve your quality of life. We take the time to understand your needs and goals to create a customized and cost-effective solution. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, so you can have the peace of mind that you will receive unmatched treatment with minimal discomfort. To schedule a consultation and learn more about sleep apnea effects and treatments, call us at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form.
