Snoring isn’t just a nighttime annoyance—it can also signal a more serious health concern. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often without the person realizing it. Left untreated, it can significantly impact both your quality of sleep and overall health.
At Afton Family Dental in Afton, Wyoming, Dr. Corey Christensen provides targeted treatments for sleep apnea designed to restore healthy breathing patterns and help you get the rest your body needs.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues of the throat collapse or the tongue shifts backward during sleep, blocking the airway. These interruptions in breathing can last for 30 seconds or longer and may happen dozens—even hundreds—of times throughout the night.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common signs of OSA include:
- Persistent daytime fatigue
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or depression
Because these symptoms can often go unnoticed or be attributed to other causes, many individuals with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Sleep apnea is linked to a number of serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, liver issues, and behavioral health concerns. If you suspect you or someone close to you might have sleep apnea, seeking treatment promptly is essential for protecting long-term health and well-being.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options at Afton Family Dental
We work closely with your physician to confirm a diagnosis and determine the most effective course of treatment based on the severity of your condition. Options include:
- Oral Appliance Therapy: For mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance gently repositions the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep. These devices are compact, quiet, and easy to use.
- CPAP Therapy: For more severe cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines deliver a steady flow of air to keep your airway open.
- Surgical Solutions: In certain situations, surgical intervention may be recommended to address structural issues contributing to airway blockage.
If sleep apnea is disrupting your nights and affecting your health, we’re here to help. Contact Afton Family Dental to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward safer, healthier sleep.