Sleep apnea is a condition that affects millions of Americans. Many go undiagnosed. It is important for patients who have sleep apnea, or the family of patients who have the condition, to know the symptoms that may arise to determine if an individual may be suffering from this condition. Sleep apnea can negatively affect many aspects of life.
The most commonly seen type of sleep apnea, which can be improved with the help of a dentist, is obstructive sleep apnea, referred to also as OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there is a collapse in the airway as a patient sleeps. This blockage may occur because of poor alignment of the jaw or the tongue falling back in the mouth. It can also happen to patients who have excessive fat around the neck area as this can cause the airway to become smaller and more susceptible to blockage. Obstructive sleep apnea can be addressed with the use of oral appliance therapy, available at New Health Dental in the Gilbert area. This treatment is easy, affordable, and effective, and is a wonderful alternative to traditional treatments recommended by general practitioners such as the use of a CPAP machine. This machine can be uncomfortable and cumbersome, causing many patients to not comply with treatment and therefore stop addressing their sleep apnea disorder.
The first step before treatment is the diagnosis. Diagnosis is done with the help of a physician. A physician may order a sleep study during which the patient sleeps and is analyzed by the doctor to determine if they have sleep apnea. However, patients may notice symptoms at home. Common symptoms for obstructive sleep apnea, from mild to severe, may include the following:
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor memory
• Daytime fatigue
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and depression
• Irritability/mood swings
• Headaches
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, they may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. Contact the team of New Health Dental today to speak with Dr. Edward Fritz and discuss obstructive sleep apnea and the symptoms that may be pointing to a serious condition.
Cosmetic dentists work to create a perfect smile for their patients and offer many services to brighten one of the features important to first impressions.
If the teeth are discolored, dulling a once bright smile, professional whitening is available. Over the counter options for whitening aren't as powerful or effective. Professional take-home kits include trays molded to the patient’s teeth that are worn an hour or so each day for two weeks. In-office procedures have same-day results.
If the teeth are permanently discolored, or if the tooth is fractured or pitted, porcelain veneers might be the answer. Thin tooth-colored porcelain sheaths are placed over the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, or size. Veneers have also been used to disguise small spaces between the front teeth.
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth permanently. A small titanium rod is placed into the jawbone; the bone heals around it, making it a part of the jaw. A crown is then placed on the implant and looks and acts like a natural tooth.
Dentures are removable false teeth made from tooth colored resin. Complete dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth, and partial dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth in an arch. They are custom made to each patient, and may need several appointments to adjust the look and fit. Sometimes, dental implants are used to stabilize and support a set of dentures.
If you have an issue with your smile, it is best to go to a dentist who is experienced with the procedures you need, and someone who cares enough to communicate through all steps of the process. Dr. Edward Fritz at New Health Dental in Mesa, AZ is a cosmetic dentist who practices with an eye on how the problems affecting the mouth affect the body's health. His practice offers all of these services and more. Contact New Health Dentistry at 877-943-3703 for your consultation.
