Do you snore? Is daytime drowsiness and fatigue disrupting your life? You may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Sutter will evaluate you for this condition and customize a treatment plan to restore normal breathing and peaceful slumber.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder caused by airway blockage. During sleep, tissues and muscles relax and can obstruct air passages. The result is frequent pauses in breathing. Most sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea are unaware of these episodes. They may sleep fitfully, snore, and awaken fatigued. Mental confusion, moodiness, and irritability may occur throughout the day.
Illnesses, such as upper respiratory infections and tonsillitis, can cause obstructive sleep apnea. Alcohol use, smoking, and excess weight are also contributing factors. Some people have narrow air passages that are easily blocked when tissues relax during sleep.
Sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes and affects more than twelve million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age. Because of the lack of awareness by the public the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.
Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. There are several treatment options.
Dr. Sutter will perform a comprehensive exam to determine the cause of your obstructive sleep apnea and craft a treatment plan to restore optimal function. He may suggest that you limit or avoid alcohol, lose weight, and/or stop smoking. Many sleep apnea patients find relief with a custom oral appliance called a snoreguard. This comfortable device keeps passages open to optimize airflow. As the name implies, a snoreguard also eliminates snoring, which your sleep partner will appreciate! Dr Sutter partners with Willamette Sleep Center and Salem Hospital Sleep Disorders Center to diagnose and treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Call Northwest Dental Arts today to schedule your obstructive sleep apnea assessment with Dr. Sutter. Don’t forget to ask about our cash discounts. We give residents of Keizer and surrounding areas personalized care for smiles that shine!