Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can mean more than just a restless night of sleep.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can seriously affect your overall health and lead to expensive and invasive treatments.
Dr. David Casagrande offers clinically approved appliances to treat sleep apnea in his Billings, MT, office.
The Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Symptoms of sleep apnea should not be taken lightly. A failure to treat your sleeping disorder can lead to serious health issues. While some patients are unaware they have obstructive sleep apnea until a roommate or a partner notices their snoring, there are symptoms you can look out for.
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Mood swings
- Easy irritability
- Loud and chronic snoring
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Waking while choking or gasping
- Frequent urination during the night
Experiencing Sleep Apnea Symptoms? Contact Our Billings Practice
Early treatment is the best way to prevent future health issues. Dr. Casagrande can diagnose and treat your sleeping disorder to help restore your sleep and improve your health. Contact our Billings, MT, practice right away if you are experiencing symptoms, and request your sleep apnea consultation today.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Interrupts Sleep
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Those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can stop breathing for a few seconds to a full minute at a time before their brain signals them to wake partially and resume breathing again.
Suffering From OSA? You Aren't Alone
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects an estimated 22 million Americans. It is often undiagnosed because the symptoms occur while you are sleeping. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious effects on your overall health.
Sleep interruptions from OSA can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, interrupting your sleep and reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to your brain.
Do Not Let Sleep Apnea Affect Your Life Request a Consultation
Thanks to advancements in materials and technologies, treatment for sleep disorders is becoming more effective and comfortable than ever before.
At River Valley Advanced Dental & Implant Center, our team in Billings, MT, can begin the process of treating your sleep apnea today. Contact our practice to request a consultation or call:
(406) 656-2000
The Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea — also known as OSA — occurs when your upper airway becomes physically blocked. This blockage can occur when the muscles inside the throat relax or the tongue falls to the back of the throat. When these tissues block your airway, they can severely limit your airflow or even make breathing difficult.
Central
Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when your brain stops sending signals to your lungs to breathe. Since central sleep apnea isn't caused by a physical blockage in your upper airway like obstructive sleep apnea, it can't be fixed with an oral appliance. Central sleep apnea is rarer than OSA and requires attention from a specialist for effective treatment.
Complex
Sleep Apnea
Patients who suffer from complex sleep apnea have both the upper airway blockage of OSA and the neurological irregularities of central sleep apnea. Complex sleep apnea requires the help of a specialist due to the neurological component. Typically, a combination of oral appliances and procedures are used to treat this form of sleeping disorder.
According to a study done by the National Commission on Sleep Disorders, obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140%. Seeking care from an experienced prosthodontist can help reduce your risk.
Who's at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
There is no single answer as to what causes sleep apnea. Although some patients are prone to the condition because of their small airways or enlarged tonsils, certain health and lifestyle factors may increase your risk of this sleep disorder. Risk factors include:
- Excess weight
- Age
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
If you notice sleep apnea symptoms in yourself or a loved one, we encourage you to visit our Billings, MT, office to receive a formal diagnosis to begin treatment.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
Dr. Casagrande is proud to offer the most advanced, state-of-the-art, clinically approved oral appliances to treat patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.
Our Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Oral appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea by gently shifting the lower jaw to a more forward position. This shift can help hold tissues of the throat tight, prevent the tongue from falling back, and allow you to maintain an open upper airway while you sleep. Depending on your needs, we will recommend one of two brands.
Klearway
Klearway™ appliances are made of thermoactive acrylic to fit comfortably and securely over your teeth while you sleep. The flexible material allows you to yawn and swallow without dislodging the appliance. Your aligner will keep your jaws and tongue in a proper position during sleep, opening the airway and eliminating sleep disturbances and snoring.
SomnoDent Herbst Advance
SomnoDent® Herbst Advance™ appliances have been used to treat sleep apnea and jaw misalignment for many years. Similar to Klearway products, Herbst oral appliances are easy to care for and made of flexible materials to fit comfortably around your teeth and gums. The device is fully adjustable and small for easy transport.
A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that patients receiving oral appliance therapy reduced their symptoms of sleep apnea as well as improved physiological and behavioral outcomes.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Improve Your Symptoms
In addition to an oral appliance, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms and protect your physical health.
Adopt Healthy Habits
Routine exercise and a well-balanced diet can help prevent the symptoms of sleep apnea. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce symptoms and your risk of obesity-related conditions.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives before bed. These can relax your neck muscles and enhance your symptoms. Also, try to stop smoking, as this can irritate your airway and cause further health issues.
Visit Our Practice
The best way to prevent further sleep disruption or future health issues is to seek immediate treatment. Dr. Casagrande has over 40 years of dental experience and can detect early signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Contact our Billings practice to request your consultation and improve your quality of life.
