Sleep apnea, also referred to as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA, is a sleep-related breathing disorder. Apnea refers to an interruption in breathing, and sleep apnea occurs when your airway is constricted during sleep.
With sleep apnea, the soft tissues in your throat collapse and block your airway, decreasing the oxygen supply to your body. As your body struggles to get the oxygen it needs, it sends a signal to your brain to wake you up. This is typically accompanied by a loud gasping or snorting sound as you try to breathe. For sleep apnea sufferers, these episodes can occur hundreds of times a night and last for minutes at a time.
The long-term effects of insufficient oxygen flow can lead to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and strokes. Treating sleep apnea is crucial, and at Hollywood Smile Dental, we offer a comfortable solution.
Dr. Khanimov will work with a sleep physician to evaluate your needs and see if you are a good candidate for a customized oral device that positions your jaw slightly forward during sleep. This keeps your airway open and allows you to breathe freely again.
If you wake up feeling fatigued or experience irritability or difficulty concentrating, you may have sleep apnea. Please call our Rego Park dental office so we can arrange a consultation to discuss your needs.