Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse. Because this happens during sleep, many patients may not realize that they have sleep apnea. However, snoring and waking up frequently at night are common markers of this condition.
Dr. Michael Courter treats patients who have sleep apnea in his North Midland, TX dental office. Treating sleep apnea can restore health to patients and also prevent future health problems.
Sometimes patients who have sleep apnea are more at risk of developing heart problems like strokes, diabetes, and even heart attacks. This is because breathing erratically can disrupt the flow of oxygen through the bloodstream.
In addition to treating sleep apnea, Dr. Courter also also provides restorative dentistry services in Midland, TX.
Common Risk Factors and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
There are multiple risk factors that can increase a patient’s chance of developing sleep apnea. Common risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, alcohol use, and anatomical abnormalities of the upper airway, as well as:
- Overweight
- Male
- Over forty
- Those with heart problems
- Frequent snorers
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Difficulty breathing
- Insomnia
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
If you think you or someone you know may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Contact our office if you have already noticed one or more of these signs of sleep apnea.
We can help you discover your treatment options during a consultation. Most patients are candidates for an oral appliance. Keep reading to learn more about possible treatment options for you.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have a major impact on your health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are treatments available for sleep apnea that can help you get back to a healthy night’s sleep. Dr. Courter provides oral appliances to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea.
Custom oral appliances are alternative devices to CPAP machines. They are more portable and comfortable for patients to use. Patients no longer have to deal with bulky and loud CPAP machines to treat their sleep apnea.
To create oral appliances for his patients, Dr. Courter will first take dental impressions of their teeth. We will send these impressions to our dental lab to fabricate the custom-fit device. At your second appointment, our dentist will fit you with the new sleep apnea appliance and make sure it fits comfortably before you leave our office.
For the appliance to be effective, all you have to do is simply wear it overnight while you sleep. Oral appliances open up the airways so you can breathe easily without restrictions. They are a great option for patients who want to improve their sleep apnea but cannot tolerate using a CPAP machine.
Request a Dental Consultation Today
Get a restful night of sleep with our sleep apnea treatment. Call Dr. Courter for a consultation at 432-287-9531. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Courter and his team on our website.