Sleep apnea affects millions of people in the United States alone, and many cases in Gahanna, OH, Blacklick, and New Albany go undiagnosed.
Since sleep apnea occurs during sleep, it’s common for people not to realize they’re experiencing problems. Undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea can cause symptoms that diminish the quality of your life and can even lead to serious health problems. At StoneRidge Dental Care, our dentists can talk with you about sleep apnea, its signs and symptoms, evaluate your anatomy for common signs of one type of sleep apnea, and provide you with treatment recommendations.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent cessation of breathing during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea defined by the underlying cause of the disorder:
- Obstructive sleep apnea: This is the most common type. It occurs as a result of a person’s throat muscles relaxing and cutting off the airway during sleep.
- Central sleep apnea: This form occurs due to a problem with the central nervous system, which prevents the brain from sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: Individuals with this syndrome suffer from a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Signs & Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Loud snoring and the frequent cessation of breathing are the two most common and most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea. These symptoms are most commonly reported by spouses, roommates, and children of individuals with sleep apnea. If you live alone, however, there are still ways to detect signs of sleep apnea upon waking and throughout the day. These signs and symptoms include:
- Daytime drowsiness or falling asleep during the day.
- Difficulty staying asleep or gasping for air in the night.
- Waking with a dry or sore throat and frequent morning headaches.
- Trouble focusing, irritability, depression, and moodiness while awake.
The Dangers Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea not only leads to dangers associated with daytime fatigue, such as an increased risk of accidents, but it can also lead to a variety of dangerous systemic health problems. The chronic lack of oxygen and the stress on the body can have a significant impact on your overall wellness.
- Cardiovascular disease: This includes an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeat.
- Metabolic issues: Untreated cases are linked to Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
- Organ health: There is a documented connection between sleep disorders and liver disease.
Sleep Apnea Treatments With Our Dentists
If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, our dentists can recommend you for a sleep study to assess your symptoms and sleep patterns and provide you with a sleep apnea diagnosis. Some cases of sleep apnea must be treated with a CPAP breathing machine. However, depending on the type and severity of your sleep apnea, our dentist might be able to provide you with treatment using a simple mouthguard device. This oral appliance is designed to support your soft palate and maintain open airways while you sleep, providing a comfortable alternative to bulky machinery.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Preventive care is the foundation of a healthy, confident smile—and at StoneRidge Dental Care, it’s at the heart of everything we do. We focus on catching issues early, helping you avoid discomfort and complex procedures later. Below, we’ve answered some common questions to help you get the most out of your routine dental visits.
Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches. If you live in Gahanna, Blacklick, or New Albany and are experiencing these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a consultation to explore sleep apnea treatment options at StoneRidge Dental Care.
If you’re showing signs of sleep apnea, our dentists can refer you for a sleep study to assess your symptoms and provide a proper diagnosis. While some cases require a CPAP machine, many patients from Gahanna, Blacklick, and New Albany benefit from a custom mouthguard-style appliance. This device helps keep your airway open by supporting the soft palate, offering a simpler, more comfortable sleep apnea treatment option.
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances can be highly effective. Many of our patients from New Albany, Blacklick, and surrounding areas find these devices more comfortable and easier to use than CPAP machines.
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Seeking sleep apnea treatment early can help protect your long-term health.
Many insurance plans do cover sleep apnea treatment, especially when it’s deemed medically necessary. Our team is happy to help patients understand their benefits and work with their insurance provider to maximize coverage.
Find Relief In StoneRidge Dental Care
Want to get started on the path to better sleep and long-term health? To learn more about sleep apnea or to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation with our dentist, we welcome you to fill out our online sleep apnea evaluation form and contact StoneRidge Dental Care today. We are here to help you achieve the restful sleep you need to live your healthiest life.