English 
Spanish We all value a good night’s sleep, but not everyone manages to achieve restful nights. Nighttime should be that golden moment when we recharge, dream, and drift away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. But for many, this seemingly simple joy is disrupted by a condition called sleep apnea. If you find yourself waking up feeling like you haven’t slept at all, or if your loved ones complain about your loud, constant snoring, you may suffer from a form of sleep apnea.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when your breathing is interrupted during sleep. During these episodes, the upper airway is blocked, either partially or completely, and you actually stop breathing for short moments, known as apneas.
Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that keeps getting pinched. That’s a bit like what’s happening in your throat throughout the night. When the muscles of your throat relax too much, they block your airway. This leads to a drop in oxygen levels in your blood by up to 40%, causing your brain to respond by sending signals that jolt you awake, often with the sensation that you are gasping for air or choking. This little drama can play out dozens, even hundreds of times every night! You might not even realize how often it’s happening, but these constant interruptions can leave you feeling exhausted the next day.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most common sign of sleep apnea is constant, loud, uncontrollable snoring. If you live with someone who sounds like a chainsaw while sleeping, encourage them to contact Ferrari Dental for a consultation. But remember, while snoring might be the most obvious sign of sleep apnea, it’s those silent moments—when breathing stops—that are the real concern.
Other symptoms may include:
- Constant sleepiness or fatigue during the day
- Restless sleep
- Waking up suddenly with a gasping or choking sensation
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Night sweats
- Headaches
- Irritability
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea, by far the most common type, occurs when the airway becomes blocked as the soft tissue at the back of the throat closes during sleep. This condition is more common than you think. It occurs in about 25% of men and 10% of women and can affect people of all ages, even babies. However, it is more common in people over 40 and those who are overweight.
Other less obvious physical traits that are common among those who suffer from this condition are:
- Large neck
- Nasal obstructions
- Low-hanging soft palate
- Enlarged tonsils
- Small jaw with an overbite
Choosing Treatment Options
When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, there are a few different methods available involving various machines or mouthpieces. But no matter which path you choose, the goal is the same—to keep your airway open, ensuring uninterrupted, quality sleep. Another positive outcome of successful treatment is a significant reduction in snoring. Trust us, the rest of your household will thank you!
At Ferrari Dental, we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Some treatments may involve referral to another specialist, while others can be done in-house. While there are over-the-counter methods of sleep apnea treatment, a professional evaluation will always result in a more reliable outcome. For many patients suffering from sleep apnea, Dr. Ferrari will create a dental mouthpiece designed to be worn during sleep, which effectively opens up the back of the throat. This device gently pulls the lower jaw forward, creating space for oxygen to reach the lungs.
The Cost of a Good Night’s Sleep
Now, if you’re worried about the costs of treatment, take a deep breath. When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, we believe that everyone deserves to breathe easily (pun intended). Our experienced team at Ferrari Dental will help you determine if your insurance plan covers an oral sleep appliance. If insurance isn’t an option, we offer other pathways for payment. Between our multiple financing partners and our in-house savings program, we aim to make sleep apnea treatment affordable. After all, the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be overshadowed by financial stress and worry.
Ready for a Restful Night?
At Ferrari Dental, we’re not just about fixing teeth. We’re about improving lives through comprehensive dental care. Dr. Jon Ferrari and the team are dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges of sleep apnea. If you think you may benefit from an oral sleep device, we can help. Don’t let sleep apnea steal one more night!
We invite you to contact us to schedule a free consultation. Let’s sit down, chat, and explore how we can help you rediscover the joy of restful sleep.
