Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Sleep apnea could be the culprit. Don’t let this sleep disorder deprive you of the rest you deserve and compromise your overall health. At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken is here to provide top-notch snoring and sleep apnea treatment in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL.
For patients who experience tooth damage from related grinding or clenching, restorative dentistry can help repair and protect your smile. Regain control of your sleep and breathe easy once again. We welcome you to contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea disrupts your peaceful slumber with frequent interruptions and pauses in breathing during the night.
Common types of sleep apnea include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax and block your airway. You have CSA when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to control breathing.
If sleep apnea goes untreated, it can lead to serious health problems over time. The repeated drops in oxygen levels and poor sleep quality put extra stress on your body.
Many patients with sleep disorders are at an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea in Chicago, IL
Don’t ignore the signs of sleep apnea; they may be more prevalent than you think. Call our office if you notice these symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Extreme daytime drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Chronic snoring
- Choking or snorting sounds when asleep
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Morning headaches
Catching sleep apnea early can lead to faster treatment and better sleep. You must talk to a doctor if you or someone you know has these symptoms. Sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea if I Snore?
Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea, but it can be a warning sign. Many people snore without having sleep apnea if they’re congested or sleeping on their back. However, loud and frequent snoring could mean something more serious.
Normal snoring is usually steady and doesn’t disrupt sleep much. You might snore some nights but not others. Sleep apnea snoring is often loud and irregular, with pauses in breathing followed by snorts or gasps. You may wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Knowing the risk factors can help you understand if you or someone you know might be more likely to develop it.
Obesity
Carrying extra weight, especially around the neck, is one of the most common causes of sleep apnea. Fat deposits around the upper airway can make it harder to breathe at night. Even a small amount of weight gain can increase the risk, while losing weight may help improve symptoms.
Family History
If sleep apnea runs in your family, your chances of having it are higher. This could be due to inherited traits like the shape of your jaw or airway. Talking to Dr. Chaiken about your family’s health history can help assess your risk and decide if you need further testing.
Smoking
People who smoke are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Smoking causes swelling and irritation in the throat, which can narrow the airway. It also leads to fluid retention in the upper airway to make breathing problems worse. Quitting smoking can reduce these risks and improve overall health.
Age
While sleep apnea can occur at any age, it becomes more common as people age. The throat muscles naturally weaken over time, allowing the airway to collapse more easily during sleep. Older adults should pay extra attention to symptoms like loud snoring or daytime tiredness.
How is Sleep Apnea Related to TMJ?
Sleep apnea and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are often related because they both involve problems with the jaw and airway. When someone has sleep apnea, their airway gets blocked during sleep, which can cause them to clench their jaw or grind their teeth. This extra stress on the jaw muscles and joints can lead to TMJ pain and stiffness.
TMJ disorders can sometimes make sleep apnea worse. If the jaw is misaligned or doesn’t move properly, it can narrow the airway. Oral appliances for sleep apnea reposition the jaw to keep the airway open, which may relieve TMJ discomfort at the same time.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chicago, IL
At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken offers a comprehensive approach to treating sleep apnea. He will create a customized treatment plan based on your needs and find the most effective and appropriate treatment for you. Collaboration with sleep specialists is part of the process.
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires the expertise of a sleep physician. But don’t forget to involve our caring dentists in the process. We encourage you to talk to both our team and your physician if you suspect sleep apnea is affecting your well-being.
Sleep Testing
We will first recommend a sleep test for proper diagnosis. You can get an in-office or at home sleep test. Both methods provide valuable information about your breathing patterns during sleep.
Nightguard
If you have mild to moderate sleep problems, Dr. Chaiken may recommend nightguards as part of your treatment plan. These are special dental devices made specifically for your mouth that you wear while sleeping. The nightguard gently positions your jaw to help maintain an open airway throughout the night.
Custom sleep appliances are a great alternative to CPAP machines. Many patients find CPAP machines bulky and loud. While these machines help sleep apnea patients breathe, they can be uncomfortable to use.
An oral appliance is small and portable. We also customize your appliance to fit your mouth. Dr. Chaiken will take digital impressions to create your custom nightguard. Once complete, you will return to our office for a fitting.
This integrated approach ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care. Follow-up care and monitoring are crucial parts of sleep apnea treatment in our Chicago, IL, office.
Regular check-ups help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Awaken to a New Beginning
Don’t let sleep apnea steal another restful night from you. Take charge of your sleep and health. Get comfortable treatment for sleep apnea in our Chicago, IL, and Skokie, IL dental offices today.
Call 708-274-4192 or request an appointment in Chicago with Dr. Chaiken online. You can also call our Skokie dental office at 224-267-8083 or request an appointment in Skokie on our website.
Experience the transformation as our dedicated team at North Dental Professionals helps you get better sleep.