Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes life-threatening condition that affects millions of people — and many don’t even know they have it. At Miami Designer Smiles, our expert dentists, Dr. Raul Garcia and Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia, provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for this condition. This blog aims to shed light on understanding sleep apnea, its causes, symptoms, and various treatments offered at Miami Designer Smiles.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder. It involves repeated episodes of shallow or infrequent breathing or pauses in breathing during sleep. The pauses can last several seconds and may occur more than 30 times per hour, often interrupting sleep and leading to many health issues.
Different Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Central Sleep Apnea
- Mixed Sleep Apnea
Of these, obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood.
Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
- High blood pressure
- Nighttime sweating
- Decreased libido
Sleep Apnea in Children
Miami Designer Smiles also treats childhood sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects children, generally between the ages of 2 and 8. The symptoms often mimic other health conditions.
Treating Sleep Apnea at Miami Designer Smiles
Our team at Miami Designer Smiles has extensive training and expertise in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. We put your needs at the forefront, taking into account your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to develop a customized treatment plan.
One of the innovative treatments we offer our Miami patients is NightLase. This non-invasive treatment is designed to help reduce the effects of sleep apnea and decrease snoring by utilizing our Fotona Lightwalker laser to tighten the soft tissues in the throat and open your airway for more peaceful nights and better quality sleep.
The Journey of Lillian: Treating Sleep Apnea at Miami Designer Smiles
Lillian, a long-time patient of Miami Designer Smiles, underwent a variety of treatments, including fillings, cleanings, and orthodontic work. But more importantly, she was treated for her sleep apnea, which not only improved her overall health but significantly enhanced her quality of life as well.