Sleep Apnea Treatment in Royal Palm Beach

Do you snore or gasp for air while sleeping? Or, does your sleeping partner ever alert you of these behaviors? If so, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with your Royal Palm Beach dentist at Dental Center of Wellington. Dr. Bussell can screen you for sleep apnea, order a sleep study, and offer non-invasive therapy to meet your needs and relieve your symptoms. 

What Is Sleep Apnea and Who Does It Affect?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by temporary lapses in breath during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of this condition, and it occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes blocked. Our muscles and oral tissues relax during sleep, and they can obstruct the airway, causing these temporary disruptions in breathing. 

According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States. People of all ages and genders can have sleep apnea, though it’s more common in men. 

Several risk factors can increase a person’s chance of having sleep apnea:

• Anatomical characteristics (e.g., enlarged soft palate or tonsils)
• Obesity
• Use of sedatives, like alcohol
• Family history 
• Cigarette smoking
• Nasal congestion
• Hormonal changes 

Untreated sleep apnea can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellness. People with sleep apnea experience several extended pauses in breathing; some even stop breathing hundreds of times a night. 

Poor quality of sleep can take a mental and physical toll on you. When you don’t get restful sleep, your body can’t correctly repair and rejuvenate. Sleep deprivation or low-quality sleep also hinders your ability to focus and live life to the fullest. 

Along with contributing to low-quality sleep, sleep apnea hinders the body’s oxygen supply and affects the health of the cardiovascular system. The Sleep Foundation affirms untreated sleep apnea has been linked to health conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, depression, ADHD, strokes, and high blood pressure. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Every patient is unique, so each person’s experience with sleep apnea differs. Some patients may have only a few symptoms, while others can have several. There are numerous signs and symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea, including, but not limited to:

• Snoring or loud breathing 
• Gasping or choking during sleep 
• Lethargy 
• Mood swings 
• Irritability 
• Night sweats 
• Daytime drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Sore throat or dry mouth 
• Headaches throughout the day 
• Waking up several times during the night 

For many individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can be disruptive, uncomfortable, or intrusive. If you're seeking an effective and more convenient CPAP alternative, Dental Center of Wellington offers custom-fitted oral appliance therapy.

Dr. Bussell is dedicated to helping you get the restful sleep you need to live a healthy life, recognizing that humans spend one-third of their lives sleeping. Our oral appliances provide a gentle, non-invasive solution. They work by comfortably repositioning your jaw and tongue, which helps keep your airway open throughout the night.

Unlike CPAP machines, these custom-made devices are quiet, portable, and require no electricity. This makes them an ideal solution for a great night's sleep, whether you're at home or traveling, and ensures you remain undisturbed by your obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Bussell can help determine if a custom oral appliance is the right CPAP alternative for your unique needs. We offer popular options like the Panthera Sleep Guard and Prosumus Sleep Guard.

Schedule a Consultation for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, please contact our kind and helpful team today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bussell.