Sleep Apnea Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Get Back to a Good Night’s Rest with Customized Treatment
Do you or a loved one suffer from snoring, gasping, or choking during sleep? These may be signs of sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it may seem like a nuisance, sleep apnea can have consequences for your health and even your life.
Discover the warning signs of sleep apnea and how to treat them at Capstone Dental. Dr. Stephen Yang offers customized sleep apnea treatment to patients in Mint Hill, Mount Holly, and Concord. Discover more with our skilled Charlotte, NC, dentist.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. It occurs when your throat muscles relax, blocking your airway and causing your brain to briefly wake you up to resume breathing. These pauses in breathing can occur up to hundreds of times a night, leaving you exhausted during the day.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a host of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Memory problems
Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of accidents, such as falls and car crashes, due to daytime sleepiness.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Here are some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud and Frequent Snoring: Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, especially if it’s loud and occurs regularly.
- Pauses in Breathing: If you experience pauses in breathing during sleep, or if someone has witnessed you gasping for air during sleep, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.
- Daytime Sleepiness: Because sleep apnea can disrupt sleep, you may feel excessively sleepy during the day.
- Morning Headaches: If you wake up with a headache or a feeling of dryness in your mouth, it may be due to sleep apnea.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Sleep apnea can lead to poor concentration, memory problems, and difficulty focusing.
- Irritability and Mood Changes: Poor sleep quality can lead to mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
If you’re struggling with your CPAP machine, or you have mild to moderate sleep apnea and want to explore alternative treatment options, several devices can help keep your airway open:
- TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner): This device is worn in the mouth and works by gently moving your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open.
- Somnodent: Similar to TAP, Somnodent is worn in the mouth and helps to position your jaw in a way that keeps your airway open.
- TheraSnore – The leading anti-snore mouthguard: This device is custom-made to fit your mouth and works by repositioning your tongue and soft tissues to keep your airway open.
- Snore Guard: Another custom-made mouthguard, Snore Guard works by moving your jaw forward to prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.