Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an often misunderstood condition. About 80% of people living with it don’t know they have it. Others who are already diagnosed with OSA may think of it as nothing more than snoring.
Unfortunately, both groups are in danger unless they take action. With sleep apnea, you need expert care from a knowledgeable sleep apnea specialist like Dr. Ashwini Bhave at Bay Area Dental Specialists.
In our San Jose, CA office, Dr. Bhave and our team help people with OSA find noninvasive treatment paths to help them avoid serious health problems. Read on to find out what can happen if you don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn’t just snoring; it’s a potentially life-threatening condition where breathing stops and starts while you sleep, up to 30 times every hour. This prevents restorative sleep and can lead to serious problems, including:
- Heart Problems: Sleep apnea robs your heart of oxygen, even in brief increments. This can raise the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
- Fatigue: Chronic tiredness and irritability are common with untreated sleep apnea. This can affect your work performance, relationships, and overall quality of life.
- Impaired Cognitive Function: Poor quality sleep can trigger memory problems, difficulty focusing, and a higher risk of road accidents and work accidents.
- Worsened Mental Health: Sleep apnea is tied to mental health, with people who have OSA being at least five times more likely to struggle with depression.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Studies have shown a link between TMJ and sleep apnea. They appear to have a bidirectional relationship in which either could contribute to the other.
How We Can Help With OSA
At Bay Area Dental Specialists, we offer effective sleep apnea treatments tailored to your situation. Dr. Bhave uses advanced 3D imaging technology to map your entire mouth, head, jaw, and neck for a comprehensive picture of the problem.
Then, we design a treatment that meets your needs. For many patients, oral appliance therapy is the ideal approach. With this therapy, you wear a custom-made device (it looks similar to a retainer) when sleeping. The oral appliance helps keep your jaw and tongue in the ideal position, leaving your airway open for smooth breathing.
Oral appliances offer a comfortable, convenient, and affordable alternative to complicated CPAP masks — and for many people, they’re just as effective.
Don’t Wait to Address Your Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea can lead to serious, long-term health issues. If you suspect sleep apnea or have been delaying OSA treatment, don’t risk your health any longer. Call Bay Area Dental Specialists in San Jose at 408-809-7760 to book your consultation today.