Visiting Your Dentist for Sleep Apnea Relief
The American Sleep Apnea Association estimates that 6% of Americans currently suffer from sleep apnea. Unfortunately, most patients don’t know that they have the condition—which isn’t surprising since 80% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed. This is problematic because untreated sleep apnea can lead to some severe medical conditions including strokes, obesity, and heart attacks.
One of the most common medical professionals to identify and treat the symptoms of sleep apnea are dentists. The reason for this is because dentists are experts in the oral structure, including the throat which is where obstructive sleep apnea occurs.
If Dr. Katz recognizes signs of sleep apnea during a routine examination, he’ll recommend scheduling another appointment, and if it turns out sleep apnea relief is necessary, he’ll do everything in his power to get you the diagnosis and treatment that you deserve.
Your Consultation with Dr. Katz
When Dr. Katz identifies symptoms of sleep apnea, the quickest way toward treatment is a specialized appointment at our Greensboro, North Carolina office.
When you arrive, he’ll perform a thorough examination of your throat, as well as ask you a series of questions. These questions will pertain to your health, the quality of sleep you’ve been receiving, and how you feel throughout the day.
Some of the information Dr. Katz is looking for that signifies you may suffer from sleep apnea are as follows:
- Waking up with headaches
- Frequent urination at night
- Enlarged soft tissue in the throat
- Daytime fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Weight gain
Discussing Your Sleep Study
Sleep apnea is a dangerous medical condition that limits the amount of oxygen your body gets at night. The loss of oxygen adversely affects your cardiovascular system, brain, and other major organs.
After your initial consultation with Dr. Katz, the next step toward treatment is conducting a sleep study. A sleep study is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis, so we make them accessible. Our patients can choose to complete it at home or from the comfort of a sleep lab.
Sleep studies monitor you while you sleep—collecting data including brain activity, eye and chin movements, heart rate and rhythm, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels. All of the tests use advanced sensors that stick to your body without the use of needles, so the process is painless.
Once complete, Dr. Katz will refer you to a qualified sleep physician. Here, they will review the results of your sleep study and provide a diagnosis.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Greensboro, NC
If you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, you can return to our office, and Dr. Katz will discuss your treatment options.
Depending on the severity of your condition and your sleeping habits, we can determine the ideal treatment for you. We offer CPAP machines, oral appliances, and upper-airway surgery at our Greensboro practice.
If you’re curious about sleep apnea, want to know more about the path toward treatment, or anything else sleep-related, contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Katz today.