There are a wide range of causes and symptoms of sleep apnea. Symptoms can be physical or mental, and will vary greatly from patient to patient. During your complimentary sleep apnea screening, Dr. Dailey will help you understand the main causes and symptoms of sleep apnea. Once we’ve helped you attain a diagnosis and get a referral, our Ann Arbor dentist can help you treat these symptoms to give you a good night’s rest again.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Multiple things can lead to this condition, including genetic, lifestyle and other factors which can affect your ability to breath while sleeping. Some of these risk factors include:
- Family History
- Gender – Males are much more likely to develop sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Enlarged tissue such as the tongue
- Bone deformities
Understanding the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Not being able to get a good night’s sleep can quickly affect every aspect of your life. While the symptoms may vary from patient to patient, it’s important to be familiar with the warning signs in order to get care before the condition worsens. These symptoms can be mental or physical, affecting everything from how you function every day to your ability to remain healthy and active. Some symptoms to look for include:
- Inability to sleep
- Fatigue during the day
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Heartburn or choking at night
- Sweating and chest pain during sleep
- Headaches that increase in frequency and severity
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sleep apnea ever go away?
If sleep apnea is caused by the anatomy of your neck, your condition may be lifelong. Sleep apnea is the result of a blocked airway. Among other reasons, it can be caused by enlarged tonsils, your tongue collapsing, or excess tissue surrounding the soft palate. Sleep apnea can be completely eradicated with surgery. However, there are other treatment options available and surgery is typically unnecessary.
Maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery requires breaking and realigning the joints in the jaw. Since it’s so invasive, it’s only used for the most severe cases where conservative treatments have failed. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Dailey will create a customized treatment plan and address every detail of the disorder to optimize your results.
Is sleep apnea life-threatening?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. That’s why it’s crucial to seek treatment immediately after getting diagnosed with sleep apnea. Our dentists offer several effective treatments to tackle your sleep apnea and help you sleep soundly at night.
To learn about our treatment options, contact our Ann Arbor office at (734) 249-6888 or fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you soon. Dr. Dailey will answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you choose the best solution for your unique condition.
Contact Our Ann Arbor Dental Sleep Medicine Diplomate
734-996-0055
While sleep apnea might not seem like it can cause long-term damage to your health, postponing treatment can lead to a number of consequences that threaten your overall well being. Dr. Dailey will help you determine how to treat the symptoms before they become a major issue for your overall health. Contact our Ann Arbor dentist today for a consultation!