Looking for a top sleep apnea and snoring dentist in Rocky Hill? Dr. Ahmed at River Park Dental has the experience and credentials you’re looking for when considering a dentist for sleep apnea treatment, offering customized solutions designed to restore our patients' sleep quality and quality of life.
Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Not all snoring is a sign of sleep apnea. Snoring is caused by the soft palate vibrating while breathing, whereas obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the upper airway being partially or completely blocked while sleeping. It’s estimated that 20% of Americans have sleep apnea, which can be life-threatening in some instances.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Heavy Snoring
- Pauses in Breathing During Sleep
- Difficulty Breathing During Sleep
- Daytime Fatigue and Low Energy
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Dry Throat
- Irritability and Mood Swings
Common conditions that occur with sleep apnea include hypertension, GERD, cardiac disease, atrial fibrillation, depression, stroke, diabetes, memory loss, fatigue, decreased libido, and more. Sleep apnea treatment depends largely on the severity of the condition and if patients have issues breathing, or if they are simply snoring. The most common treatments are behavioral changes, using oral sleep appliances, CPAP devices, and surgery in some cases.
Do I Need Treatment for Sleep Apnea or Snoring?
Patients may need to treat snoring if the condition is disrupting their sleep, affecting their health, or affecting other people living with them. We encourage you to call or schedule a consultation with River Park Dental to learn about our various treatment options and which is best for you.
Common sleep apnea treatments include:
- CPAP Machines: These devices deliver constant air pressure to keep airways open while you sleep. While effective, some find them bulky or uncomfortable.
- Custom Oral Appliances: Dr. Niaz Ahmed can create comfortable night guards designed to gently hold your airway open during sleep. This is often preferred for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Screenings at River Park Dental
Dr. Ahmed firmly believes that the dentist is in the best position to screen you for sleep apnea. This is because we see you twice a year, know your medical history, and have visibility of your airway.
When you visit River Park Dental for sleep apnea treatment, you can expect Dr. Niaz Ahmed to:
- Review your medical history.
- Discuss your sleep test results (if you have them).
- Refer you for either an in-lab sleep test (PSG) or a home sleep test (HST).
- Discuss different treatment options such as oral appliance therapy.
- Reach out to your PCP and medical insurance company if we move forward with oral appliance therapy
Night Guards as a Treatment
Not interested in using a CPAP device? Our Rocky Hill dental office can create a custom oral appliance for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. However, if you have severe sleep apnea a CPAP is often the first treatment option. If you absolutely cannot tolerate a CPAP, we will find an alternative sleep apnea treatment for you.
If you experience these symptoms, Dr. Niaz Ahmed can create custom night guards to gently hold your airway open during sleep, preventing apnea episodes and improving your overall health.
Treatments for a Better Night's Rest
If you suspect sleep apnea, Dr. Niaz Ahmed will work with a sleep specialist to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment. Options include: Stop sleep disruptions and improve your overall health. Schedule a sleep apnea screening at River Park Dental today!
