According to the National Sleep Foundation, an estimated 18 million people in the U.S. are living with sleep apnea. Most of them sleep—albeit restlessly—through the symptoms, so many sufferers remain undiagnosed. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have dire consequences on systemic and overall health.
When left unaddressed, sleep apnea can have drastic negative consequences on your systemic and overall health—in some cases, it can even result in death. Potential health problems and side effects include:
The most traditional, typical sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). CPAP machines use hoses and masks to deliver steady air pressure. However, they are not for everyone! They are bulky, can be uncomfortable, and a lot of people using one sound like Darth Vader. Everything from user claustrophobia to rambunctious pets attacking the hoses can further disrupt the sleep experience. Fortunately, Dr. Diehl and Dr. Feasel offer alternatives!
We offer another treatment that is more focused on snoring than sleep apnea, but it can provide relief from both–and you may want to investigate it further. NightLase® therapy is a noninvasive series of laser treatments taking place over a six-week period. If you would like to learn more about NightLase therapy, visit our Laser Dentistry page here.
Dupont Family Dentistry wants to help you manage your overall health—not just your oral health. If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea, or you have a diagnosis but have been unable to tolerate the CPAP, call Dr. Diehl & Dr. Feasel today at (260) 209-1550 to schedule a consultation.
