Snoring is a common nighttime annoyance and frustration but also a sleep-breathing disorder. It’s typically caused by obstructions in the airway, such as large tonsils, collapsing tissues in the throat, or the tongue rolling back in the throat. When your airway muscles relax, the upper airway becomes narrower, resulting in snoring.
Snoring may also be a sign of another, more serious sleep-breathing disorder—sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions and pauses in breathing while asleep. These pauses can occur hundreds of times each night and, in some cases, may last for significant periods before breathing resumes. Sleep apnea has been linked to several serious medical conditions, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Depression and anxiety
- Imbalanced hormone levels
- Weakened immune system
- Weight gain
- Impaired short- and long-term memory, as well as difficulty concentrating
- Increased risk of diabetes
Fortunately, there are solutions to help manage snoring and sleep apnea. If you have been diagnosed by a medical physician with sleep apnea and cannot use a CPAP machine, Dr. Benjamin Silva can provide sleep apnea treatment in El Paso to help keep your airways open so you can breathe easily while asleep and improve your overall health. Call us at (915) 591-4303 to schedule a consultation at Silva Dentistry today!Â
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is an excellent sleep apnea treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring disorders. It works by slightly advancing the lower jaw, tightening the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway to prevent them from collapsing or vibrating and becoming an obstruction. This gives you a safe and soundless sleep to get much-needed rest. Each oral appliance is custom-designed to fit your mouth perfectly and feel comfortable.
CPAP vs. Oral Appliances
A common sleep apnea treatment is using a CPAP machine, which delivers air pressure through a mask while you sleep. With this machine, the air pressure is greater than the surrounding air and keeps your upper airway passages open to prevent apnea and snoring. However, using these machines can be difficult for some, and many struggle to find a comfortable mask.
That’s where oral appliances come in. Oral appliances are designed to keep your throat open by bringing your jaw forward to relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. A wide number of devices are available, so you can try different devices before finding the one that works best for you.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you’re experiencing one of the following signs or symptoms, you may struggle with sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment with our dentistry team to find relief through sleep apnea treatment in El Paso.Â
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Difficulty paying attention
- Irritability
- Episodes when you stop breathing during sleep
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea?
Treatment success varies for everyone, but generally, the best sleep apnea treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which uses a machine to deliver a steady flow of air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep.
Is there a way to permanently fix sleep apnea?
A permanent fix for sleep apnea may be possible through lifestyle changes, weight loss, or surgical interventions. However, effectiveness varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition.
Can you reverse sleep apnea without CPAP?
Yes, sleep apnea can sometimes be reversed without CPAP through lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, changing sleep positions, and using oral appliances or undergoing surgery.
What is the life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea?
The life expectancy of someone with sleep apnea can be reduced if the condition is left untreated due to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health issues. However, with proper treatment, many can manage the condition effectively and have a normal life expectancy.
What is the new cure for sleep apnea?
While there isn’t a definitive “cure” for sleep apnea, there are many advancements in technology to help better manage the problem, such as oral appliances.
Sleep Apnea Treatment with Silva Dentistry in El Paso
Call Silva Dentistry at (915) 591-4303 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist and learn more about snoring, sleep apnea, and oral appliance therapy in El Paso, Texas. We are committed to helping you enjoy a healthy quality of life.Â