Call

What Is Sleep Apnea
Syracuse, NY

Image of a person experiencing sleep apnea at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS in Syracuse, NY.

Despite popular belief, dentists do much more than just keep your teeth looking great. Our professionals at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS can also help you overcome the difficulties of sleep apnea. This chronic condition can severely affect your quality of life and have serious chronic health consequences.

Sleep apnea involves an interruption in your breathing during your sleep cycle. This interruption hinders your brain from getting adequate oxygen and can also wake you from restful sleep. Even if you are not conscious of the breathing issues, your sleep can be disrupted.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

There are several symptoms of sleep apnea. One of the most common is chronic fatigue. The fatigue is due to a lack of REM sleep. Fatigue can be dangerous, especially if you operate heavy equipment or have a long commute to work.

Another indicator that you may have sleep apnea is severe snoring. If your partner has told you that your snoring is loud or that you sound like you are struggling to breathe, you may have sleep apnea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you should come to see us as soon as possible.

Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

There are several different types of sleep apnea. The two primary types are obstructive and central apnea. While each involves interruptions in breathing during sleep, the cause of the interruptions is different.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat or tongue relax while you are unconscious. This relaxation causes your airway to become obstructed and will prevent adequate oxygen intake. As mentioned, this is extremely dangerous. Sleep apnea has even been shown to increase your risk of various chronic diseases.

Central apnea involves a disorder within your central nervous system. Your brain does not send the appropriate signals to your lungs and muscles that tell your body to breathe. This type of apnea is more complex to treat and requires the services of specialized physicians.

How Can Dental Professionals Help With Sleep Apnea?

While our professionals cannot assist with central apnea, they can help you overcome obstructive sleep apnea. The primary means of accomplishing this is through the use of a nighttime mouthguard.

Our professionals make these custom mouthguards by taking a mold of your teeth. This mold is sent to a lab and used to create your device. The mouthguard works by repositioning your jaw and also keeping your tongue in a safe position. It is worn during your sleep cycle and helps maintain an open airway.

This mouthguard will generally last for several years. This will depend on whether or not you have any additional conditions, such as bruxism. Our team will inspect the mouthguard during your bi-annual visits to our office and let you know when it is time for another.

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that should not be taken lightly. Getting your condition under control is vital for achieving optimal quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are not getting a restful night of sleep, then our team at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS can help. You can schedule your appointment and dental exam by calling our office at (315) 800-5020.

What Our Patients Are Saying About Us Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS logo icon

Exceptionally Friendly!!

"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.

What Is Sleep Apnea Syracuse, NY

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?

How Can Dental Professionals Help With Sleep Apnea?

What Is Sleep Apnea
Syracuse, NY