Around 30 million Americans experience symptoms of sleep apnea, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). As a sleep apnea specialist with more than 40 years of experience, triple board-certified dentist Steven Wilk, DDS, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only address the symptoms but also the underlying causes. At Denver Sleep Apnea in Denver, Colorado, you can expect personalized and comprehensive care designed to enhance your sleep quality, improve your overall health, and empower you with the knowledge and tools for better sleep management. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

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What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but dangerous sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breath. People with this condition can stop and start breathing hundreds of times a night. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, as the pauses in breathing can be brief and may not fully awaken the affected individual.

If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular issues and daytime fatigue. At Denver Sleep Apnea, Dr. Wilk emphasizes the importance of early detection and proper treatment to mitigate the potential risks of sleep apnea and achieve better health and quality of life.

Are there different types of sleep apnea?

The three most common types of sleep apnea are:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA causes the muscles that control the tissues in the back of the throat to relax during sleep. As a result, the tissues collapse and block the airways. This partial collapse leads to disrupted breathing patterns, loud snoring, and intermittent awakenings as the body works to restore normal airflow.

Central sleep apnea (CSA)

CSA results from a failure of the central nervous system to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing. Unlike OSA, there’s no physical blockage of the airway. Instead, it involves a lack of effort to breathe, leading to pauses in breathing and disturbed sleep.

Complex sleep apnea

People with complex sleep apnea experience features of OSA and CSA. It’s the rarest type, requiring a tailored approach that addresses the physical obstruction of the airway and the central nervous system’s role in regulating breathing during sleep.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Dr. Wilk uses several diagnostic services to determine whether you have sleep apnea and which type. They may include:

  • Dental exam
  • Medical history review
  • Symptom discussion
  • WatchPAT® One home sleep assessment
  • ResMed ApneaLink Air™ home sleep assessment

Dr. Wilk uses all the information he gathers during these tests to develop your personalized treatment plan.

What are the treatments for sleep apnea?

Dr. Wilk strives to treat the underlying cause of sleep apnea, reducing your reliance on treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Some of the most effective sleep apnea treatments available at Denver Sleep Apnea include:

  • Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
  • Tongue-retaining device (TRD)
  • Botox®
  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Medication

These treatments can help provide relief from snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.