What are the long-term effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea?

The dentists of Huntington Dental Excellence go beyond just serving patients who need oral health and wellness services such as general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Drs. Gin Goei and Sharon Gabriel are available to help South Pasadena, California, area patients with certain conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing with obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Learn about the condition, the long-term effects, and solutions to help treat the problem with the help of our dental team.

What is OSA?

OSA is obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition affecting millions of people. OSA occurs when a person’s airway collapses during sleep, causing them to stop breathing for brief periods. It can lead to several long-term health conditions, such as heart attacks. If you or someone you know experiences OSA, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

What can happen if I do not treat my OSA?

The long-term effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea can be serious and include a variety of health issues, like:

• High blood pressure
• An increased risk of stroke
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Death

What are some common symptoms of OSA?

People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea may notice several symptoms and signs, including:

• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Poor memory and concentration
• Sleep deprivation
• Insomnia

Over time, untreated OSA can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, you need to seek treatment if you suspect that you may have OSA to enjoy good health and wellness.

How do I find out about treatment options?

If you were diagnosed with a condition like obstructive sleep apnea by your primary care doctor or a sleep specialist, you might have been told that the use of a CPAP machine is the best way to treat the problems and reduce the signs and symptoms impacting your daily life. However, at Huntington Dental Excellence, we offer another way to address sleep-disordered breathing using oral appliance therapy.

Oral appliance therapy exclusively uses a unique and specialized mouth guard each night while you sleep that can comfortably maintain open airways. Many patients who do not comply with CPAP machine usage at night may find themselves more comfortable using the oral appliance instead, ensuring they are treating their condition in a way that best fits their desires.

What are other treatment solutions available for OSA patients?

Other treatment options include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet modifications, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime. With the proper care and support, persons with obstructive sleep apnea can enjoy a better quality of life.

How do I learn more?

If you want to learn more about the benefits of treating obstructive sleep apnea, call Huntington Dental Excellence at (626) 382-2756.

Our South Pasadena, California, area team, including Drs. Gin Goei and Sharon Gabriel, can assist you in finding out if you are a good fit for oral appliance therapy.

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