Rest Easy with Sleep Apnea Treatment

Having trouble sleeping? In the United States, good rest eludes over ten million people thanks to obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Without proper rest, functioning at your job or at school may be difficult, if not impossible. In order to help you obtain the sleep you need, your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, offer treatment for sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for brief periods during the night. Patients suffering from sleep apnea experience a wide array of symptoms, including:
· Snoring
· Waking up choking or gasping for air
· Irritability
· An inability to focus at work or school
· Depression
· Daytime drowsiness
Without treatment, patients also become susceptible to a number of serious health risks, including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. If you experience one or more symptoms of sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with your Livingston dentists. Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom will diagnose the cause and severity of your sleep apnea, recommending the best treatment options.
What Causes OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea develops when soft tissue in the back of the throat obstructs airflow. As a result, the oxygen-starved brain must wake the patient up to start breathing. Some patients experience the cycle of waking and sleeping hundreds of times each night. Causes of OSA include aging, obesity, and overly relaxed throat tissue.
What Treatment is Available for Sleep Apnea?
After assessing the cause and level of your sleep disorder, yourLivingston dentists will prescribe treatment. For many patients, simple lifestyle changes are enough to reduce sleep apnea symptoms. For example, losing weight, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and maintaining a steady sleep schedule can help address sleep apnea. For advanced cases, an oral appliance may be recommended to move the jaw forward and open airways during sleep, ending your snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
About Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom: The Silverstrom Dental Group provides the latest in comprehensive dental care for patients in Livingston, NJ and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 797-9345.