Sleep Apnea Therapy for Charlevoix Patients
Dr. Jay Balasz, DDS is an experienced Dentist with extensive skill and qualification in treating sleep apnea in Charlevoix patients. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to temporarily stop breathing while you’re asleep, resulting in a lack of oxygen that activates a survival reflex and wakes you up just enough to resume breathing. This interruption of your sleep cycle can have serious consequences on your overall health and well-being.
While it can happen to anyone, sleep apnea is more common in people age 50 and older as well as those with obesity or weight concerns. Men are also at greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea than women. If you believe that you may have signs of sleep apnea, we encourage you to visit our office for a comprehensive exam. Dr. Balasz and our team have helped numerous patients recover from sleep apnea and experience better health and quality of life.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The symptoms of sleep apnea can vary depending on the type of sleep apnea you have, but some general signs that you might be suffering from this condition include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- difficulty concentrating during the day
- Moodiness or irritability
If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, it’s important to inform Dr. Balasz and our team so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, acid reflux, and headaches.
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires a thorough evaluation of your oral health and symptoms. During your visit, Dr. Balasz will ask questions about your medical history and the symptoms you are currently experiencing, such as snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep. Dr. Balasz may also recommend a polysomnography, which is an overnight test that measures several parameters related to your sleep habits and possible apneic episodes. Additional tests may also be necessary to determine the best treatment plan based on your individual health needs. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is vital because it allows us to hone in on the biological issues that are causing your symptoms. This way, we can take the necessary steps moving forward so that you can experience peaceful sleep once again.
How Sleep Apnea is Diagnosed
Diagnosing sleep apnea requires a thorough evaluation of your oral health and symptoms. During your visit, Dr. Balasz will ask questions about your medical history and the symptoms you are currently experiencing, such as snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep. Dr. Balasz may also recommend a polysomnography, which is an overnight test that measures several parameters related to your sleep habits and possible apneic episodes. Additional tests may also be necessary to determine the best treatment plan based on your individual health needs. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is vital because it allows us to hone in on the biological issues that are causing your symptoms. This way, we can take the necessary steps moving forward so that you can experience peaceful sleep once again.
How Sleep Apnea Is Treated
Can a Dentist treat sleep apnea? Yes! Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, so it’s important to seek treatment from Dr. Balasz and our team. Dr. Balasz is able to advise on conservative and minimally invasive treatments for sleep apnea as well as more advanced clinical procedures. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding sleeping on your back may be able to help. For more severe cases, Dr. Balasz may prescribe CPAP treatment or oral appliance therapy. Positive airway pressure devices, such as CPAP machines, can increase airflow in your throat during sleep. If you are not able to tolerate CPAP therapy, an oral appliance (mouthpiece) can help keep your upper airway open while sleeping. Dr. Balasz will work with skill and dedication to create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and needs and maximizes your comfort.
How Sleep Apnea Is Treated
Can a Dentist treat sleep apnea? Yes! Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, so it’s important to seek treatment from Dr. Balasz and our team. Dr. Balasz is able to advise on conservative and minimally invasive treatments for sleep apnea as well as more advanced clinical procedures. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding sleeping on your back may be able to help. For more severe cases, Dr. Balasz may prescribe CPAP treatment or oral appliance therapy. Positive airway pressure devices, such as CPAP machines, can increase airflow in your throat during sleep. If you are not able to tolerate CPAP therapy, an oral appliance (mouthpiece) can help keep your upper airway open while sleeping. Dr. Balasz will work with skill and dedication to create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and needs and maximizes your comfort.
Solutions for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Balasz is skilled in sleep apnea treatment and is able to prescribe a variety of treatment options to meet our patients’ individual needs. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep apnea. Each patient must be treated on a case by case basis. In some cases, lifestyle adjustments such as losing weight or quitting smoking may be enough. For more severe cases, CPAP treatment or oral appliance therapy may be the best approach. We prescribe surgery only when absolutely necessary. Although a final resort, in some situations it may be the only way to remove any blockages in the airway that are causing obstruction. Dr. Balasz and our team will work with you to determine the most conservative and appropriate solution based on your level of health and personal needs.
Obtain Lasting Relief from Your Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea, we urge you to contact our office at your earliest convenience. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should not be ignored. Dr. Balasz and our team will work with skill and devotion to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment plan that is right for you. Call (231) 547-2377 today to learn more about our services for sleep apnea treatment in Charlevoix and schedule an appointment. We proudly serve dental patients all throughout Charlevoix County and the surrounding areas including Bay Harbor, East Jordan, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Ellsworth, and Central Lake as well as all of Emmet County including Petoskey and Harbor Springs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
