Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects about 22 million Americans. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing various health problems. Here are the most common types of sleep apnea conditions:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In obstructive sleep apnea, the airways become blocked during sleep. This blocks oxygen from reaching the lungs and the brain, which signals the body to wake up to reopen the airways.

For an estimated 22 million Americans affected, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. It is also likely that your jaw is affected in the process. While asleep, the tongue falls to the back of the mouth, and those oral tissues can shift into the airway, blocking the airflow.

If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, contact us. We offer a variety of treatment options that will improve your quality of life and overall health.

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. The CSA is different from obstructive and central apnea, which are caused by obstructions in the airway and the central nervous system, respectively. CSA is more common in males than females and occurs more frequently in older adults. In children, it can cause developmental problems and impact growth. A family history of CSA can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. It is most commonly treated with a continuous positive airway pressure device or CPAP machine. Though most people find these devices to be uncomfortable, they can help restore healthy breathing during sleep. Other treatment options can include surgery to remove blockages from the nose or throat. Talk to your dentist about options for treatment.

Complex Sleep Apnea

If a patient has complex sleep apnea or CSA, the soft tissues of the mouth and throat are enlarged enough to partially block the air passage. Obstructive sleep apnea is when the throat is blocked completely, while hypopnea is when the throat is partially blocked, but the patient can still get enough air to breathe. Unlike simple or mild sleep apnea, patients with complex sleep apnea cannot rely on CPAP therapy alone for treatment. You need to see the dentist to know which treatment will work best for you.

Schedule an appointment with Foxfield Dental to learn more about good oral health. Visit us at 16350 E Arapahoe Rd Unit #114, Foxfield, CO 80016. Contact us at (720) 870-0401 or visit our website to book an appointment.