Flint Family Dentistry Services

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Grossi Dental

Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) stop breathing momentarily while sleeping, often starting again with a loud snort or choking sound. Aside from snoring, OSA causes poor quality sleep, which can make you drowsy during the day and even affect your mood. Because OSA lowers the amount of oxygen reaching your blood stream at night, it can be a contributing factor for more serious problems if left untreated. Unchecked OSA can even increase your risk for a stroke or heart disease.

What happens to your body when you have sleep apnea?

Sensing this imbalance, the brain sends a message to the body, telling it to wake up to restart the breathing process. People with sleep apnea will partially awaken as they struggle to breathe. This experience is often accompanied by loud snoring or choking sensations—if you’re experiencing these symptoms, please share that information with your doctor and your team at Grossi Dental. Because people with sleep apnea don’t always wake up completely during the episodes, they are often unaware they have a sleeping disorder, and it can remain undiagnosed.

Why should sleep apnea be treated?

It is very important to seek medical attention if sleep apnea is suspected. A sufferer can completely stop breathing numerous times per hour, and this can quickly turn into a deadly situation. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue lying at the back of the patient’s throat collapses into the airway. The tongue then falls towards the back of the throat which tightens the blockage and prevents oxygen from entering the lungs.

The problem worsens when the chest region, diaphragm, and abdomen fight for air. The efforts they make to obtain vital oxygen only cause a further tightening of the blockage. The patient must arouse from deep sleep to tense the tongue and remove the soft tissue from the airway.

Because sleep apnea causes carbon dioxide levels to skyrocket in the blood and oxygen levels to decrease, the heart has to pump harder and faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Sleep apnea patients can technically “die” many times each night. Sleep apnea has been linked to a series of serious heart-related conditions and should be investigated by your medical and wellness team at the earliest opportunity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with Grossi Dental & Wellness for an evaluation.

Are oral appliances effective for sleep apnea?

Yes, oral appliances are highly effective for treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing snoring and improving breathing.

Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.

We help you attain and maintain a healthy mouth, which has a direct impact on the health of the rest of your body. No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, the Grossi Dental team is here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps toward better smiles and healthier lives. Total wellness starts with your oral health.

Take some time to learn more about the services we provide, and when you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our office.

More Family Dentistry Services

Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.

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