While we sleep, our muscles relax, even the ones that control our airways. For some, this relaxation as well as skeletal pre-disposition can lead to restricted airflow (80% or more) and difficulty breathing during sleep. This is what is known as Sleep Apnea, a condition defined by cessation of breathing for ten seconds or more while sleeping. For some, these interruptions in normal breathing can happen as often as 30 times an hour or even more.
When breathing is restricted, the body isn't able to take in enough oxygen. This can cause a reaction where you involuntarily gasp for air, waking you up. If this happens multiple times a night, you're left with interrupted sleep and can often wake up not feeling rested. Per some estimates, over 18 million Americans may suffer from sleep apnea, though less than 10% of them may be actually diagnosed. Additionally, nearly half of all people suffering from sleep apnea also have high blood pressure, and the condition can lead to an increase in the risk of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and anxiety.
We know how life-changing a restful night of sleep can be. Sleep Apnea treatment addresses the root causes of sleep disruptions by improving airflow, reducing snoring, and preventing dangerous pauses in breathing. Your treatment is personalized to your specific needs, whether you're dealing with mild discomfort or more serious health risks related to sleep apnea. By focusing on long-term health and quality of life, we help you regain a peaceful night's rest, free from interruptions.
Sleep Apnea treatment addresses:
For anyone who has already been diagnosed with sleep apnea via a Sleep Test, you may be a candidate for treatment. Dr. Isabella will meet with you and, based on the diagnosis, determine if there are non-CPAP alternative treatments to help with managing your sleep apnea. This treatment is ideal for adults who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a healthcare provider and are looking for a non-invasive or non-surgical solution.
Dr. Isabella is very knowledgeable when it comes to Sleep Disordered Breathing and can provide treatment for sleep apnea after it has been diagnosed by a physician, providing alternatives to CPAP.
We can conduct a comprehensive examination and provide solutions to help you sleep through the night. A thorough screening includes an at-home sleep test, a CT scan, and an assessment of the mouth, head, and neck. Don't suffer another sleepless night because of sleep apnea. You can achieve relief by contacting our office today to schedule a consultation.
Most lab-based sleep tests are uncomfortable, invasive, and expensive. At our practice in Chicago Sleep Apnea diagnosis is made more accessible. We can provide you with a Home Sleep Test from the comfort of your home. We use the Alice Night One Sleep Test by Phillips, whose setup will effortlessly guide you through the placement of 4 sensors that will then record your sleep. These four sensors are:
A pulse oximeter is attached to your finger during the test, crucial for diagnosing Sleep Apnea. This reads your pulse, blood flow, and blood oxygen levels. The device will also confirm at the end of the night if you’ve gathered enough good data for our Sleep Physicians to analyze. Once you’ve completed and returned the study, Dr. Isabella Terrassa will review the results prior to your consultation at which she will then discuss findings and treatment options.
In dealing with sleep apnea Chicago patients frequently have understandable concerns. Various factors can contribute to its development, including genetics, poor posture, allergies, and enlarged tonsils.
The type that most people experience is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the airways in the throat and mouth narrow or collapse during sleep. But don't worry, there are ways to manage this condition and improve your sleep quality.
Sleep apnea mouth guards, known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), offer several benefits for individuals with sleep apnea. MADs are specially designed oral appliances that effectively address sleep-related breathing disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), MADs have proven to be as effective as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in mild to moderate cases.
MADs are smaller, less invasive, and easier to use, making them more convenient and patient-friendly. Another advantage of MADs is their lower cost compared to CPAP machines. Ultimately, it is important for doctors to discuss treatment options with their patients, considering the individual's specific needs and weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Recognizing the importance of convenience and comfort in sleep apnea treatment, researchers have found that many patients are more willing to use MADs compared to CPAP machines. Dentists, in addition to doctors, can play a significant role in treating sleep apnea by providing and monitoring the use of mouth guards. As research continues to emerge, it becomes increasingly clear that an oral device can effectively treat this serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Many patients experience a noticeable improvement in sleep quality within the first few weeks of treatment. Consistent, uninterrupted sleep leads to higher energy levels, better mood, and even improved heart health over time. These treatments can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring, providing immediate relief to both patients and their partners. Full results depend on the individual and the treatment used, but most patients report a major improvement in their quality of life within one to three months.
Post-treatment recovery varies based on the type of sleep apnea treatment you receive. For non-invasive options like oral appliances, patients typically experience little to no downtime, but it does require an adjustment period which can take a few weeks up to a few months to get used to the appliance and titrate to the effective treatment position.
At Strobel Dentistry, Dr. Isabella combines expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our experienced team has been recognized for excellence in dental care. With a commitment to patient-centered treatment plans, we stay at the forefront of advancements in dental sleep medicine. Choosing Strobel Dentistry means choosing a team that's fully invested in your long-term health and well-being.
The cost of Sleep Apnea treatment varies based on the specifics of your case, including the type of treatment required and the materials used. While costs vary depending on geographic location and the complexity of the procedure, rest assured that your treatment plan will be fully customized to meet your needs. At Strobel Dentistry, we are transparent about pricing, and during your consultation we’ll make sure you know what to expect.
Sleep apnea may be caused by genetics, poor posture, allergies, enlarged tonsils, and other issues. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. This is caused by the collapse of airways in the throat and mouth during sleep.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing sleep apnea.
Start your journey with Strobel Dentistry in Chicago
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