Can Untreated Sleep Apnea Shorten My Life?

dangers of sleep apnea Toms River

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can seriously impact your quality of life. It can be treated at Rotem Dental Care in Toms River NJ.

Chronic Diseases

Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other types of heart disease. These conditions, in turn, can bring about a fatal stroke or heart attack. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

The Three Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three different sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea describes a condition where your throat muscles relax. It is the most common form of sleep apnea.
  • Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing.
  • Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the two.

Oral appliance therapy (OAT) can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It is an alternative to CPAP, which many patients find uncomfortable.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:

  • As a first-line treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSA
  • As a first-line treatment for patients with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
  • As a combination: OAT and CPAP together

If you think you may have a form of sleep apnea talk to your physician, who may recommend a sleep study. An accurate diagnosis is the essential first step.

At Rotem Dental Care in Toms River NJ we treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. Patients from Stafford Township, Manchester Township, and Jackson come to us for treatment, as well as for complete general dentistry. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Rotem Dental Care:

732-228-4028

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

355 Lakehurst Rd
Toms River, New Jersey
08755

 

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