That snoring that plagues you may be more than a mere annoyance. It can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder that carries with it the potential for serious complications. At Geller Family Dental, Dr. Andrew Geller and his team offer a simple, noninvasive solution that will have you, and those around you, sleeping soundly again. If you’re in the area of Bronxville, New York, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you repeatedly stop and start breathing during the night. It occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax to the point where they block your airway, preventing you from breathing in.
When your throat is obstructed in that way, it sends a signal to your brain, and you wake momentarily to correct it, often without realizing it. Or, you may wake completely, choking or gasping for air. These episodes can happen a few times, or a few dozen times, throughout the night.
While there’s no single cause of sleep apnea, there are conditions that put you more at risk for developing the condition, such as:
- Obesity
- Larger neck circumference
- Increased age
- A small airway
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Chronic nasal congestion
When it comes to gender, men are twice as likely as women to suffer from sleep apnea.
Is obstructive sleep apnea dangerous?
You shouldn’t ignore sleep apnea because it’s a severe condition that could lead to the following:
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Type 2 diabetes
Although sleep apnea is incurable, there are oral devices that can make a big difference in how you sleep, which is where Dr. Geller comes in.
How does an oral device correct sleep apnea?
Dr. Geller offers a solution that will have you sleeping comfortably through the night: a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This appliance sets your lower jaw forward slightly to keep your airway open while you sleep. The oral device is designed much like a mouth guard and fits over your upper and lower teeth with a hinge in the back.
During your first visit, Dr. Geller performs a complete evaluation of your mouth to make sure you’re a good candidate for a MAD. If so, he takes a digital impression of your mouth and sends the data to a lab for manufacture.
Once your custom-made device is ready, Dr. Geller ensures that it fits properly and makes any necessary adjustments for your comfort and ease of use.
While it may take a few nights to get used to wearing the device, you’ll be sleeping more soundly and restfully soon after.
To get started on better sleep, call Geller Family Dental or book an appointment online.
