Our Services / Sleep Apnea

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious health issue that affects breathing during your sleep. You might stop breathing dozens or hundreds of times a night. Each episode prevents oxygen from reaching your brain and other vital organs, increasing your risk of other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. 

What are the types of sleep apnea?

Dr. James M. Maragos, D.D.S. and the team treat different types of sleep apnea, including:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

When you have OSA, the soft tissues at the back of your throat block your airways during sleep, causing you to wake up gasping for air. 

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea is a rare condition that occurs when the brain fails to communicate with the muscles responsible for breathing. 

Complex sleep apnea

Complex sleep apnea is when you have characteristics of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. 

The team can help determine the type that you have and recommend the best dental treatment for your condition. 

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, the team reviews your medical records and asks about your sleep habits, including if you ever feel tired during the day, if you have a family history of sleep apnea, and if you stick to a regular sleep schedule. 

Next, they will complete a dental exam and advise that you see a sleep physician. They may also recommend a sleep study to evaluate your breathing patterns and bodily functions while you sleep. 

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment depends on your age, type of sleep apnea you have, and the severity of your symptoms. The team may recommend lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

If these lifestyle recommendations don’t ease your symptoms, you might need:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Oral appliance therapy
• Mandibular advancement devices
• Sleeping with a wedge pillow

If you can’t get a restful night’s sleep because of an airway obstruction, surgery may be necessary to make it easier for you to breathe. 

Call Dr. James M. Maragos, D.D.S. or schedule an appointment online to receive treatment for sleep apnea today.