Rediscover the Beauty of a Good Night’s Sleep
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Livingston, New Jersey
If you suffer from chronic snoring or live with someone who does, you know how rare and precious a peaceful night’s sleep can be. As much of a nuisance as excessive snoring generally is, it may also be the sign of a far more serious and potentially life-threatening condition called sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea involuntarily stop breathing for ten seconds or more periodically while they are sleeping. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to cardiovascular problems, headaches, chronic fatigue, and mood disorders.
In and of itself, snoring can lead to a number of serious problems. A good night’s sleep is essential to proper memory function and the ability to concentrate and perform basic tasks during waking hours. Excessive snoring can place strain on family and other intimate relationships, as well, as snoring interferes with the sleep of anyone within earshot of the snorer.
Fortunately, relief from chronic snoring and sleep apnea is available at the Silverstrom Group. Many people are surprised to learn that our dental professionals are experts in the treatment of these breathing disorders, but we have helped many of our patients get a good night’s sleep once again. We would welcome the opportunity to do the same for you.
If you are interested in learning more about snoring and sleep apnea treatment, please contact our Livingston, New Jersey dental practice to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
Causes of Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Most cases of excessive snoring and sleep apnea are rooted in the same cause: a blockage of the airway between the nose and the voice box. A partial obstruction of this airway will result in snoring, while a complete obstruction will result in the temporary cessation of breathing that is the primary symptom of sleep apnea. The blockage occurs when the muscles that support your soft palate, tonsils, uvula, and tongue relax, causing the airway to narrow and these anatomical structures to fall back toward the throat.
Over the course of a single night, people with sleep apnea may stop breathing upwards of 240 times in eight hours. Each time this occurs, the oxygen level in the blood can become lower, and the brain will signal your body to awaken. You will probably not remember these instances; however, the disruption of your sleep will affect your ability to function the next day.
Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Before recommending a course of treatment, our dentists will collect information about your medical history and examine your mouth, jaw, and throat. We find that many of our patients respond well to intraoral appliances that help to keep the airway open during sleep. The device fits comfortably in the mouth, where it moves the jaw and tongue forward and causes the muscles of the airway to tighten. This prevents the airway from becoming obstructed, stopping snoring and sleep apnea and allowing patients to sleep peacefully throughout the night.
There are some rare instances of sleep apnea in which the brain simply fails to deliver the proper signals to the muscles involved in breathing. In these cases, our dentists will refer you to a sleep disorder specialist who can provide the treatment you need.
Learn More about Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Are you tired of feeling tired? Do you want to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and revitalized? If so, please contact the Silverstrom Group today for further information about snoring and sleep apnea treatment. At our Livingston, New Jersey dental practice, we proudly serve people from throughout the state, as well as New York and the rest of the United States.