The Common Warning Signs
First, you should be aware of the common warning signs of an issue like sleep apnea. The disorder occurs when we stop breathing while we sleep, which happens due to the collapse of soft tissues in the throat and rear of the mouth. The brain registers the drop on oxygen and wakes you to breathe again, but even though this happens hundreds of times a night, we may not realize it. Symptoms include waking suddenly in the night gasping for air or choking, headaches, dry mouth, chronic snoring, moodiness, issues with memory and concentration, and more. If any of these symptoms applies to your experience, let us know right away so we can offer an at-home sleep test!
The At-Home Sleep Test
We will begin by talking to you about your sleep routine and possible symptoms, to gauge the potential risk of sleep apnea. Next, we will offer an at-home sleep test. We send you home with a small device that is worn as you sleep. While resting in the comfort of your own bed, this will record apneic episodes, blood pressure, and other possible indicators of sleep apnea. When you return the device to us, a board-certified sleep physician will then interpret the results and decide on the next course of action. For most, we will offer an oral appliance instead of a CPAP machine to help treat the disorder with ease!
What Happens Next?
If following your at-home sleep test we decide you need an oral appliance, we will take detailed images and measurements of your smile in order to custom-fit the appliance to your smile. You take this home and wear it at night. The device will fit like a mouthguard, but actually shifts the jaw and tongue in order to keep airways open and free of obstruction as you rest. The device is easy to use and clean, and it can travel with you too and prevent issues with your significant other’s sleep. If you have any questions, contact our team today.
Talk To Your Tampa, FL Dentist About How We Help You Sleep
We would like to help you feel more rested and alert with our custom treatment options. For more information on our approach to treating sleep apnea, call our Tampa, FL treatment office today at (813) 640-4086.