Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition in which the upper airway is blocked during sleep, reducing your oxygen intake.
At Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico, Dr. Byron W. Wall offers custom oral appliances to eliminate the effects of sleep apnea.
Learn more about how we can help you at our practice in Albuquerque, NM...
Why is treating sleep apnea so important?
How can I know if I suffer from sleep disorders like sleep apnea?
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation
Dr. Wall is a cosmetic dentist who has been working out of his private Albuquerque, NM, practice for over 35 years. He is an expert in neuromuscular dentistry and understands how all orofacial elements work together for optimal health.
If you are suffering from daytime sleepiness, irritability, headaches, or other sleep disorder symptoms, schedule a consultation at our Albuquerque office. Contact Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico online or give us a call at:
(505) 883-4488
"Always Top Notch Care" Read Our 5-star Reviews
Paragon 2012
2020
Always top notch care, appropriate diagnostics and monitoring of trouble spots. Nicest staff alive! Would recommend to anyone!
Jill Hruby
2020
I've been going to Dr Wall for about nine years. He is a great dentist, his staff are friendly, and overall I highly recommend.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to detect OSA and other conditions. If necessary, Dr. Wall can work alongside a sleep medicine specialist to provide the comprehensive care you deserve. Oftentimes our patients undergo a sleep study to determine the severity of the issue.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles and tissues around your throat relax too much at night. As a result, they fall back into your airways, which obstructs breathing periodically. It will start again as soon as you wake up, but this means that your sleep could be disrupted dozens or even hundreds of times each night. You will never get the full amount of sleep you need and you may be unaware of the interruptions to your rest. Treatments may include oral appliance therapy, CPAP, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.
What Is Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea (CSA) produces many of the same symptoms as obstructive sleep apnea, but they are two different conditions. While OSA is the result of physical airway blockage, CSA occurs when the brain fails to tell your muscles to breathe in air. Central sleep apnea is more common in individuals over the age of 65. Necessary treatments may include lifestyle changes, CPAP, or addressing associated medical issues. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea cannot be successfully treated with an oral appliance.
Why Seek Treatment?
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible at our Albuquerque, NM, practice. OSA has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including depression, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Proper sleep apnea treatment may reduce your risk for these other conditions.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Consultation with a Dentist
Due to the nature of their job, dentists are often the first to detect obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Following an initial consultation at our Albuquerque, NM, practice, Dr. Wall will determine the next steps. He will likely refer you to a sleep medicine specialist.
Sleep Study
Many individuals must undergo a sleep study to determine the extent of the issue and understand its root cause. Once all information has been gathered, your sleep medicine specialist works together with Dr. Wall to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Treating Sleep Apnea
To find out which treatment option is right for you, ask your dentist or primary care physician about undergoing a sleep study.
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Custom Oral Appliances
Often, a simple oral appliance is the easiest way to treat sleep apnea. Your appliance will be custom-crafted from impressions of your mouth. It will fit comfortably over your teeth, much like a whitening tray. While you sleep, the appliance will push your lower jaw forward. In this way, it will open up your airways by tightening your drooping soft tissues. Many of our Albuquerque, NM, patients have found success with this option.
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CPAP Therapy
The most popular treatment for both obstructive and central sleep apnea is CPAP – or, continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP devices deliver a constant flow of air to keep the upper airway open during sleep. CPAP machines are usually recommended for moderate to severe cases. Continuous positive airway pressure can be used alone or in conjunction with oral appliance therapy.
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Surgery
In severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea, surgical intervention is required. An oral surgeon can remove excess tissue around the soft palate and uvula to open the upper airway, a procedure known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). In other instances, the jaw may need to be repositioned to allow for better airflow. Typically, sleep apnea surgery is only recommended when other treatments have failed.
Patients' Preferred Treatment Option: Oral Appliances
"Always a Great Experience" More 5-star Reviews
Romie Lavoie
2020
Dr Wall is always amazing. Kind, gentle, professional and awesome Dentist. His staff is always smart, kind and personable.
Yolanda Deimling
2020
Always a great experience no matter what work needs to be done! Dr. Wall and his staff are outstanding!
