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Sleep Apnea Treatment at Parkway Prosthodontics

At Parkway Prosthodontics, we understand how vital a good night’s sleep is to your overall health and well-being. For patients suffering from sleep apnea, achieving restful sleep can be a challenge that impacts not only your health but your daily life. Dr. Kathryn Ryan and our dedicated team are here to help with personalized, non-invasive treatment options designed to improve your breathing during sleep and enhance your quality of life.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions, or "apneas," can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. This condition not only disrupts your sleep cycle but also deprives your brain and body of necessary oxygen, leading to a range of health problems if left untreated.

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There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, causing a blockage in the airway.

  2. Central Sleep Apnea: This occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to pauses in breathing.

  3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

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Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms occur during sleep. However, some common signs that may indicate sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring, often interrupted by gasping or choking

  • Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by a bed partner

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night's rest

  • Morning headaches or dry mouth

  • Difficulty concentrating or mood changes

  • Restless sleep or frequent waking during the night

  • Sore throat upon waking

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek a professional diagnosis and explore treatment options.

How Parkway Prosthodontics Can Help

At Parkway Prosthodontics, we offer non-invasive, comfortable solutions for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. For many patients, oral appliance therapy can be an effective alternative to more traditional treatments like CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. Our team works closely with your sleep physician to create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

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What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a custom-made dental device that is worn during sleep. This device gently repositions the jaw and tongue to prevent the airway from collapsing, allowing for unobstructed breathing throughout the night. Oral appliances are small, portable, and easy to use, making them an excellent option for patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or impractical.

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Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

  • Comfortable and easy to wear: Oral appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and ease of use.

  • Non-invasive: Unlike surgery or CPAP machines, oral appliance therapy is a simple, non-invasive solution.

  • Improved sleep quality: Many patients experience immediate improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in daytime sleepiness.

  • Portable and convenient: The appliance is small and easy to travel with, offering convenience for patients who are frequently on the go.

  • Quiet solution: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are silent, allowing both you and your bed partner to enjoy peaceful sleep.

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Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or suffer from frequent snoring, oral appliance therapy may be the right solution for you. Dr. Kathryn Ryan will conduct a thorough examination to assess your oral health and determine if an oral appliance is suitable for your condition. In some cases, additional treatment options or a combination of therapies may be recommended.

The Treatment Process at Parkway Prosthodontics

Consultation and Evaluation

Your journey to better sleep begins with a consultation at Parkway Prosthodontics. Dr. Ryan will review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and evaluate your airway to determine the best course of treatment. We may also collaborate with your sleep physician to ensure comprehensive care.


Custom Appliance DesignIf oral appliance therapy is recommended, we will take detailed impressions of your teeth and create a custom-fitted appliance designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. The device is crafted to gently reposition your jaw to prevent airway obstruction while you sleep.


Fitting and AdjustmentOnce your oral appliance is ready, you will return to our office for a fitting. Dr. Ryan will ensure the appliance fits comfortably and provides the necessary support for effective treatment. Adjustments may be made to ensure optimal results.


Follow-Up CareRegular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress, ensure the appliance continues to fit well, and address any concerns you may have. Consistent care is essential to achieving long-term success with your sleep apnea treatment.

Health Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is more than just a sleep disorder; it can have significant and potentially dangerous consequences for your overall health if left untreated. Because sleep apnea repeatedly disrupts your breathing during sleep, it deprives your body and brain of essential oxygen, causing a strain on various bodily systems. Over time, this lack of oxygen can contribute to the development of numerous serious health conditions or exacerbate existing ones.

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Here are some of the most common health risks linked to untreated sleep apnea:

  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
    When your breathing is interrupted during sleep, your body’s oxygen levels drop. In response, your brain signals the body to increase blood flow to vital organs, which causes a spike in blood pressure. Over time, this stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to chronic high blood pressure. If you already suffer from hypertension, sleep apnea can make it harder to manage your condition.

  • Heart Disease
    Sleep apnea has been closely linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The repeated pauses in breathing cause fluctuations in oxygen levels, which can contribute to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart attacks, and even heart failure. The increased strain on the heart and blood vessels can lead to long-term cardiovascular complications.

  • Stroke
    The risk of stroke is significantly higher for individuals with untreated sleep apnea. The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can negatively affect blood circulation to the brain, increasing the likelihood of a stroke. In fact, studies have shown that people with severe sleep apnea are at a much greater risk of experiencing a stroke than those without the disorder.

  • Diabetes
    Untreated sleep apnea can also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes or worsen blood sugar control in those who already have diabetes. Sleep apnea can lead to insulin resistance, where the body becomes less effective at using insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Additionally, poor sleep quality has been linked to weight gain, which is a major risk factor for diabetes.

  • Depression and Mental Health Issues
    Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your physical health—it can also take a toll on your mental well-being. Poor sleep quality can contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. The constant fatigue and lack of restorative sleep can impact your mood, cognitive function, and ability to concentrate, leading to a decreased quality of life and mental health challenges.

  • Fatigue-Related Accidents
    One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue due to disrupted sleep patterns. This excessive tiredness can increase the risk of accidents, especially when driving or operating heavy machinery. Individuals with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to experience drowsy driving, which can result in dangerous car accidents or injuries at work.

 

In addition to these health risks, untreated sleep apnea can also worsen existing medical conditions such as asthma, chronic kidney disease, and acid reflux (GERD). Over time, the strain that sleep apnea puts on your body can lead to serious, life-threatening complications.

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Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Are Essential

Given the wide range of health risks associated with sleep apnea, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. By addressing the condition early on, you can reduce your risk of developing these serious health problems and improve your overall quality of life. At Parkway Prosthodontics, Dr. Kathryn Ryan offers effective, non-invasive treatment options to help manage sleep apnea and improve your breathing during sleep. Whether you’re experiencing mild symptoms or have been diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, seeking treatment can significantly reduce the long-term risks to your health.

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If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward better sleep and better health.

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