Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Antonio
Dr. Perry and his team’s primary goal is the health and well-being of their patients. We want to be your resource and advocate for treating your snoring and sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that results from having inconsistent breathing while sleeping. This reduces the quality of sleep and lowers the oxygen levels in the body, which can lead to health and mental issues over time.
Dr. Perry also has sleep apnea, so he has a firsthand understanding of the physical and mental impacts that snoring and sleep apnea present. Dr. Perry has also managed and treated hundreds of patients with sleep apnea.
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Side Effects of Sleep Apnea
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Are There Different Types of Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of sleep apnea is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs due to a physical blockage — usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Another form is called central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signals from the brain. Some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of the two.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Modalities
There are two excellent modalities for sleep apnea treatment: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and a dental mandibular repositioning device (MRD). Dr. Perry supports both therapies and suggests that all of his patients have both modalities on hand for treatment in order to rotate between therapies and mitigate any negative side effects that one may present.
What is CPAP?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) was developed in the early 1980’s and was the first viable solution for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CPAP treatment consists of a pump that delivers positive air pressure to a mask that is fitted over the nose or the mouth. The air pressure is adjusted until the airway is opened.
CPAP Alternative: Mandibular Repositioning Devices (MRD)
The key element in successfully treating sleep apnea is opening the airway. The airway commonly becomes lax while sleeping, and negative pressure is created upon inhalation, which causes it to collapse. During the day, the muscles that line the airway provide ample support and keep it open.
The other contributing factor for sleep apnea is the tongue, which can physically block the opening of the airway. The tongue is a large muscle that fills the entire lower jaw (the mandible) and originates from deep within the throat.
The mandibular repositioning device (MRD) gently moves the lower jaw forward, physically bringing the tongue forward so that it doesn’t fall back and block the airway. It also supports the muscles that line the airway by spatially widening the airway itself, resulting in a much wider airway and continuous flow of oxygen.
Contact Perry Dental Health for more Information
Dr. Perry understands, first-hand, how the management of sleep apnea can improve one’s quality of life.
Call Perry Dental Health in San Antonio today at (210) 377-3779 and learn more about your sleep apnea treatment options.
CALL US: (210) 377-3779 REQUEST APPOINTMENT