Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep greatly impacts us. From how we feel and function to our alertness and appearance, the quality of our sleep affects multiple aspects of our everyday lives and every aspect of our health!

Poor or no sleep can increase your risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, severe weight gain, and more. At LoPour & Associates DDS in Albuquerque, we believe that in guiding patients towards good oral health, we can guide them towards great overall health, too. Dr. LoPour and the rest of our dental team are proud to offer the most advanced treatments to not only help those who suffer from sleep apnea achieve a great night’s sleep, but also help them return to a greater state of health and well-being!

Sleep Apnea: Definition & Symptoms

One of the most common types of sleep problems is obstructive sleep apnea: a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. When the muscles in the back of the throat are relaxed, the airway is narrowed and closes as you breathe in. Because you’re not breathing properly, the oxygen levels in your blood are lowered. Your brain recognizes this and sends a signal to wake you and reopen your airways. This is typically repeated throughout the night, often causing you to choke, snort, or gasp, and hindering your ability to achieve deep, restful sleep.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a form of sleep apnea and should immediately schedule an exam.

• Loud, excessive snoring
• Gasping for air while sleeping
• Morning dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• A halt in your breathing while asleep (reported by someone else)
• Insomnia
• Hypersomnia

Albuquerque’s Sleep Apnea Treatment: OptiSleep

In comparison to CPAPs, which are bulky, uncomfortable, and invasive, OptiSleep is the ideal treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea and excessive snoring. Using our high-tech Orthophos SL 3D-Ai Cone Beam, we’re able to convert two-dimensional x-ray images into a three-dimensional view of a patient’s anatomy, allowing us to test and determine the severity of their sleep apnea. Using these results, we’ll then begin to create their custom-designed OptiSleep: a two-piece oral orthotic appliance that’s designed to prevent apnea. OptiSleep keeps airways open by moving the lower jaw forward so that it sits comfortably and relaxes the tissue at the back of the throat. This prevents the base of the tongue from collapsing and blocking the airway, allowing patients to breathe regularly and sleep comfortably throughout the night.

A Restful Night Begins at LoPour!

Regain your freedom with OptiSleep—the most innovative, therapeutic appliance for sleep apnea treatment in Albuquerque! If you suffer from sleep apnea, call our office at (505) 298-7475 to schedule a consultation for Optisleep, and if you’re unsure whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea, visit our office for an easy one-night sleep test.