Sleep Apnea Solutions in Greensboro, NC

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the throat muscles relax, causing a blockage in the airway and stopping you from breathing. Your body then signals your brain to wake up and gasp for air. These episodes can happen hundreds of times throughout the night, but most patients typically don’t remember waking up.   

Most sleep disorders are commonly overlooked and undiagnosed, which is why it’s often your sleeping partner who first notices your sleep apnea symptoms. Fortunately, our sleep apnea dentist Dr. Katz offers several affordable and convenient solutions to help you and your partner get a full night’s rest.   

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to look out for include:

• Irritability
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Reduced libido
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Recent weight gain
• Waking up with a sore or dry throat
• Gasping for air while sleeping
• Heavy or loud snoring

Though snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the sleep disorder. The only way to know if you suffer from sleep apnea is to take a proper sleep test to receive a diagnosis for your condition.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can take a toll on your mental and physical health, as well as your sleeping partner. 

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences, such as high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, or premature death

Here at Orthodontics and Dental Sleep Medicine, we feature numerous sleep apnea treatments to help relieve symptoms and   prevent further health problems. Give us a call at (336) 286-5800 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Katz and start your journey toward a healthier, longer life.. 

Effective Sleep Apnea Solutions With Dr. Katz 

Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Katz and our exceptional team will be with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the quality care you deserve. 

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy  works by blowing constant and steady air pressure  through a tube and mask, eliminating frequent sleep apnea episodes. Though a common form of treatment, most patients are unhappy with their CPAP and stop using it all together. They often complain about the machine being loud, bulky, restrictive, and uncomfortable. 

Dr. Katz offers custom-made oral appliances as a more comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy. Similar to a mouthguard, oral appliances are fitted to your unique bite, providing patients with unmatched comfort and results. This small device works by gently shifting your jaw forward to open your airway, and allowing oxygen to flow freely. It’s easy, portable, and best of all, it won’t disturb you or your partner throughout the night. Due to their unmatched convenience and comfort, patients with obstructive sleep apnea typically choose an oral appliance to treat their condition.

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is getting a sleep study to get an accurate diagnosis from a sleep specialist. If you prefer, Dr. Katz can provide you with an at-home sleep study, so you can rest comfortably in the privacy of your own home. Once you’ve been diagnosed, our team can help determine which treatment will best suit your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

There are various factors that may cause sleep apnea, such as a narrowed airway, excess weight, genetics, nasal congestion, and more. Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use may also increase your risk of developing the sleep disorder. Excess tissue around the upper airway may obstruct breathing and cause sleep apnea or worsen your condition.  

Are there any alternative ways to treat sleep apnea?

Lifestyle changes may help alleviate common sleep apnea  symptoms. However, they should be followed in addition to regular CPAP use  or oral appliance therapy for optimal results. Certain lifestyle changes that may help reduce symptoms include:

• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding tobacco use
• Regular exercise  
• Positional therapy
• Relaxation techniques

What causes excessive snoring?

Snoring is a sound created by the vibration of tissue as air passes through your airway while sleeping. Several factors can cause snoring, such as excess weight, sleeping position, alcohol consumption, genetics, allergies, and nasal congestion. While snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are both sleeping disorders that have overlapping similarities, not everyone who snores suffers from the dangerous condition. 

Get a Better Night’s Rest Today