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Restore Restful Sleep and Overall Health: Addressing Sleep Apnea at Dental Smiles of Joliet

At Dental Smiles of Joliet, we understand the importance of a good night's sleep for your overall health and well-being. Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions, can significantly disrupt your sleep and lead to various health complications. We are committed to working with you and your physician to address sleep apnea and help you achieve a restful night's sleep.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start while you sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes blocked due to relaxed throat muscles and tongue tissues. This blockage disrupts oxygen flow, leading to:

  • Breathing cessations: Pauses in breathing lasting for seconds or even minutes.
  • Arousal episodes: Brief awakenings that may go unnoticed, disrupting sleep quality.
  • Loud snoring: A frequent symptom, although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Waking up gasping for air
  • Witnessed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep

Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Motor vehicle accidents and work-related injuries

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

A sleep study conducted in a sleep lab or at home can diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. This study monitors your brain activity, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and muscle movements during sleep.

Treatment Options

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most common treatment, CPAP uses a mask to deliver pressurized air to keep your airway open during sleep.
  • Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-made oral appliances, similar to retainers, gently reposition your jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway. This treatment is often suitable for mild to moderate cases of OSA and may be preferred by some patients who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking can improve breathing and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address anatomical abnormalities contributing to airway obstruction.

How We Can Help

At Dental Smiles of Joliet, we work collaboratively with your physician to:

  • Screen for sleep apnea symptoms
  • Discuss treatment options, including oral appliance therapy
  • Fit and adjust custom-made oral appliances for optimal comfort and effectiveness
  • Monitor your progress and collaborate with your physician to ensure comprehensive care

Prioritizing Your Restful Sleep and Overall Health

Don't let sleep apnea disrupt your sleep and impact your health. Contact Dental Smiles of Joliet today to schedule a consultation and explore treatment options for a healthy night's sleep and a healthier you.


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