Sleep Apnea Treatment
What Is Sleep Apnea? Types of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts during resting hours. There are different types of sleep apnea with many overlapping symptoms, such as high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness. The only way to know which type of sleep disorder you suffer from is to undergo a sleep study and consult with a specialist. Types of sleep apnea include:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when your upper airway becomes blocked while you are asleep, leading to breathing pauses and disruptions to your rest. Relaxation of the throat muscles often causes this upper airway blockage.
Central sleep apnea means your breathing stops and starts during sleep due to the brain not sending proper signals to control this basic function. A special type of medical doctor will need to diagnose and treat this potentially complex issue.
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Patients with complex sleep apnea often have obstructive sleep apnea initially, and through treatment with a CPAP machine, central sleep apnea becomes more apparent or worsens.
Treating Sleep Apnea Is Personal for Dr. Rota
For Dr. Joseph Rota, sleep apnea treatment is personal—his own father passed away from a heart attack connected to sleep apnea. Now, Dr. Rota seeks to help all Colorado Springs patients who are affected by sleep apnea with options like custom oral appliances to reposition the airway. Addressing sleep apnea now can make a huge impact on your health and quality of life for years to come.
Are You Experiencing Symptoms
of Sleep Apnea?
Reach Out to Our Office Today
In many cases, a person suffering from sleep apnea may be unaware of their symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of this problem include:
- Loud snoring
- Fatigue
- Restlessness during sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Waking up several times in the night
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Irritability and mood changes
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
These concerns might also suggest another health problem, as symptoms may overlap. We urge you to get in touch with our dentist, Dr. Joseph Rota, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms to find out whether or not you are suffering from sleep apnea. To set up a visit to our Colorado Springs dental office, call our friendly team or request a consultation online:
(719) 598-1224
"Dr. Rota and his staff go above and beyond." Reviews from Our Colorado Springs Patients
Andrew Graham
August, 2023
Me and my wife come here for fantastic service. Dr.Rota has helped me with extreme anxiety about dentists! I went from needing serious medication every single visit, too now I will only use it on special occasions for serious procedures. I can’t express how much I appreciate Dr. Rota and his staff (including the puppies my buddy Ottis knows when I need a friend).
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Alison Resetar
August, 2023
Dr. Rota and his staff go above and beyond to assist with any dental or TMJ issue you are having. They develop a plan and, if cannot assist you themselves, will recommend and follow through to make sure you get the care you need. He has years of experience and stays up to date on the latest technology so you get the best of both worlds. Highly recommend!!
View On GoogleSleep Apnea Treatment What to Expect at Our Colorado Springs Office
Dr. Rota can screen you for sleep apnea and based on his findings, refer you to a doctor to confirm a diagnosis.
Various Solutions Are Available To Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Recommended solutions will vary based on the specific condition you have. Generally, treatment options consist of the following:
Custom Mouthguards
After a thorough consultation with our dentist and a formal diagnosis of your sleep apnea, we may recommend a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) by SomnoMed. This innovative device is designed to gently readjust your lower jaw, pulling it forward and opening up the airway. This adjustment not only effectively eliminates snoring in the majority of cases but also significantly alleviates obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
Another effective treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This trusted approach involves maintaining an open airway by delivering a continuous flow of positively pressurized air through a specially designed mask. This mask can be comfortably adjusted to suit your preferences, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy for obstructive sleep apnea involves using lasers to reshape and tighten the tissue in the throat, potentially reducing airway blockages. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. If you're hesitant about CPAP machines but do not qualify for a mouthguard, laser therapy may be worth discussing with your doctor.
Why Is Treatment Important? A Lack of Sleep Is Dangerous
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it may result in tiredness throughout the day and severe health issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease. These are only a few of the concerns that can arise from a lack of adequate sleep. Take a closer look at what happens to your body and brain if you miss out on good sleep:
Dr. Rota Has Been Personally Affected by Sleep Apnea
Dr. Rota is passionate about helping Colorado Springs patients find treatment for their sleep apnea because of his family history. At 62, his father passed away from cardiac arrest. Dr. Rota's father and most of his family have a history of sleep apnea, motivating Dr. Rota to advance his understanding, prevention, and treatment of the condition.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does sleep apnea cause weight gain?
Sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain, and in turn, weight gain can worsen your sleep apnea. Poor sleep quality can affect the hormones that regulate hunger, possibly leading to overeating. Also, daytime sleepiness from sleep apnea symptoms may discourage you from regular physical exercise, further contributing to weight gain.
Can lifestyle changes treat sleep apnea?
In addition to treatment options, our dentist may advise lifestyle changes for improved breathing and reduced obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. These include incorporating a heart-healthy diet, limited alcohol use, weight management, and sleeping on your side.
What are the contributing risk factors for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be the result of family history or lifestyle choices and several factors increase your risk of developing OSA. These include anatomical characteristics like a large neck, obesity, use of sedatives, and drinking alcohol. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, heavy smokers are at a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea than others, emphasizing how lifestyle can contribute to OSA.
"You will LOVE these people." More Shining Reviews From Our Colorado Springs Patients
Mindy Upton
July, 2023
I cannot recommend Rota enough! I haven’t been to a dentist in 10 years and had quite a bit of anxiety over the treatment I required. They went a above and beyond to set me at ease before and during the procedure. I don’t remember hardly a thing! And I love that. Haha! Seriously, if you need a new dental team, you will LOVE these people.
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Sue McTigue
June, 2023
Dr. Rota has been my dentist for several years. I first met him on a Saturday with extreme tooth pain which needed a root canal and no other dentist in town would help me. He spent his weekend with me treating the tooth. Since then he has done cosmetic dentistry for me and other treatments. Dr. Rota is not only a compassionate, experienced and skilled dentist; he is an artist!
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