Understanding Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, and How Your Dentist Can Help

Sleep is essential to your overall health, but for millions of people, a good night’s rest is disrupted by an often undiagnosed condition: sleep apnea. If you’re constantly tired, snore loudly, or wake up gasping for air, sleep apnea could be the reason—and your dentist may be the first step toward relief.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when soft tissues at the back of the throat relax and block the airway.

Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including:

• High blood pressure

• Cardiovascular disease

• Atrial fibrillation

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Chronic fatigue

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

You may be experiencing sleep apnea if you or a loved one notices:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Pauses in breathing during sleep

• Waking up gasping or choking

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime tiredness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Mood changes or irritability

If these symptoms sound familiar, you may benefit from a sleep evaluation.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which helps keep the airway open at night. However, not all patients tolerate CPAP therapy well. Many patients have not been compliant because they could not sleep with the machine.

Others have turned to surgical options or over-the-counter devices. But one of the most effective alternatives is oral appliance therapy using a custom-made mouth device.

FDA-Approved Oral Appliances

At Maddali Dental, we use the Sleep Group Solutions device, an FDA-approved oral appliance custom made for each patient. This small, painless device is worn at night and gently repositions the lower jaw to keep the airway open—helping you breathe better and sleep more soundly.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy:

• FDA-approved for sleep apnea treatment

• Custom fit for comfort and effectiveness

• Painless and easy to wear

• Travel-friendly and compact

• Quiet—no mask or machine noise

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Untreated sleep apnea affects your physical health, mental clarity, and quality of life. Getting diagnosed and treated can:

• Improve sleep quality

• Increase energy levels

• Reduce long-term health risks

• Help your partner sleep better too

Sleep disorders can have serious consequences—and it’s important to get treated early. To qualify for a dental sleep appliance, a sleep study is required and must be conducted within the past four years. Dr. Maddali and her team can help you get started with the right testing and treatment plan.

Looking for a Sleep Apnea Dentist Near You?

If you’re looking for a sleep apnea dentist in Union County, Maddali Dental provides expert care, personalized treatment, and access to the latest FDA-approved oral appliances. We work closely with sleep specialists and physicians to provide complete care for patients struggling with sleep apnea.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Don’t let sleep apnea continue to affect your daily life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Maddali to learn more about dental treatment for sleep apnea and find out if a custom oral appliance is right for you.

📍 Maddali Dental – Union & Parsippany, NJ

📞 Call us today at (908) 851-9292