4 Facts You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea and Treatment Options

Do you experience chronic snoring? Or do you wake up gasping or choking for air when sleeping? You should be worried, especially if it’s accompanied by daytime fatigue or sleepiness, even after a full night’s sleep. These symptoms can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a severe sleep disorder. 

A Brush Above Family Dentistry is proud to be your preferred sleep apnea dentist in Chicago, Illinois. Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno are ready to restore your healthy sleep and quality of life with effective sleep apnea treatments. 

What you need to know about sleep apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when breathing is interrupted when sleeping. The cessation happens for a scary 10 seconds or more, and the episodes can recur several times at night. Most people have heard about sleep apnea but don’t understand how detrimental it can be. Read on to learn about surprising facts about sleep apnea. 

1. Sleep apnea is highly undiagnosed: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of Americans, yet over 80% of cases go undiagnosed. This is largely because the symptoms occur during sleep, making them difficult to recognize. Additionally, many signs of sleep apnea—such as daytime fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating—are often mistaken for other issues, like a poor sleeping position or everyday stress. As a result, many individuals live with untreated sleep apnea without realizing it.
2. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous: Sleep apnea denies your body the restorative sleep you deserve. Even though you may not know it, your body awakens briefly to restore healthy breathing when apneic episodes strike. When these awakenings occur frequently, you never reach the deep, restorative sleep you deserve. Over time, chronic sleep and oxygen deprivation put pressure on your body organs, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other systemic conditions. Poor concentration during the day also increases the risk of road and workplace accidents, and some can be fatal. 
3. CPAP therapy doesn’t work for everyone: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the go-to treatment for sleep apnea. CPAPs use a mask connected to a machine that delivers constant air pressure to keep the airway open when sleeping. CPAPs are effective for mild to moderate OSA and improve sleep apnea symptoms for a better quality of life. Unfortunately, CPAPs don’t work for every patient. Even with modern improvements to CPAPs, many patients find it difficult to sleep with a mask strapped on their heads. For some, the noise and bulkiness of the machine make it even harder to get a good night’s rest.
4. CPAP alternatives are available: Patients who can’t tolerate CPAPs may feel dispirited that their only non-surgical treatment is off the table. The good news is that there’s yet another treatment for sleep apnea, and it doesn’t involve masks or noisy machines. Our office uses a custom-created oral appliance to manage OSA. This retainer-like appliance repositions the tongue and lower jaw to keep your airway open when sleeping. Patients love this option because it’s subtle and comfortable—you only need to slip the device in your mouth and sleep soundly at night. 

Sleep apnea treatment near me in Chicago

The benefits of sleep apnea treatment include refreshing sleep, elevated energy, and improved quality of life. Has sleep apnea gotten the better of you? A Brush Above Family Dentistry can help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life. Call (773) 840-0378 and schedule your visit today!

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

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