Posted: February 15, 2013
Although snoring is sometimes a harmless—if annoying—occurrence, it is also the most common symptom of the dangerous condition known as sleep apnea.
The Hoboken dentists at Frank R. DePaola DDS & Associates have helped a number of New Jersey patients treat sleep apnea and restore healthy, restful sleep. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk for severe medical problems including heart attack, hypertension, stroke and cardiac arrhythmia.
Many people snore at least occasionally, but chronic snoring is an often an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your tongue and in the back of your throat become relaxed and collapse during sleep, and obstruct your airway.
The airway blockage can cause you to stop breathing for seconds at a time dozens of times over the course of an hour. Fortunately, there are a number of sleep apnea treatment options available.
Treatment for sleep apnea may include the use of a custom-made oral appliance similar to a sports mouthguard, or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to help you maintain an open air passage as you sleep. Your knowledgeable Hoboken sleep dentist will help you determine the best treatment for your unique condition.
If you or a loved one suffers from loud, regular snoring and irregular sleep, please contact Frank R. DePaola DDS & Associates to schedule your personal sleep apnea consultation. Our experienced and compassionate dentists welcome patients from the Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark areas.
