One of the most serious sleep disorders which are potentially life threatening is sleep apnea. The disorder is considered to be one of the significant health issues in the United States. The long-term health issues and symptomatic problems that are associated with sleep apnea make it one of the most dangerous disorders which require immediate care. Our dental professional, Dr. Vijay Patel is trained to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Do you have problems to get a sound sleep? Do you snore loudly? Make an appointment and meet our dentist at our Colton CA office. Our treatment of sleep apnea can ensure that you get a sound sleep and your health improves.

What is sleep apnea and why should it be treated?

Sleep apnea is a disorder which is characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. A person who is suffering from sleep apnea has issues with breathing when asleep. The soft tissues at the back of the throat relax and block the airway of the person when he/she is asleep. This breathing pause can last for few seconds to minutes. When the oxygen level in the blood decreases, the brain sends a signal to the body to wake up to open up the airway. The sleep is disrupted. This happens several times when the person is asleep. As a result, he/she will not be able to get sound sleep. The condition can cause serious health issues. Following are some of the health problems that arise from sleep apnea.

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating on daily activities
  • Hypertension
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Depression

Treatment of sleep apnea

The diagnosis of sleep apnea is quite challenging since the characteristics of the problem are evident only when the patient is asleep. Most of the times, the bed partners of the patient may help our dentist in identifying the problem. Our dentist makes a note of the symptoms and recommends treatment based on the severity of the condition. There are special oral appliances that help patients keep their airway open by moving the jaw slightly forward. There is other treatment equipment such as the CPAP which can be used to address the sleep disorder. Our dentist Dr. Vijay Patel is also trained to perform surgeries and cure the problem. If you or your bed partner is suffering from sleep apnea, contact our dental team. Our genuine care can aid you in getting better sleep.