Sleep Apnea Treatment in Skokie, IL 

A good night’s rest is something most people take for granted; however, many people struggle to sleep peacefully due to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age. Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night.  Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.

At the dental office of Dr. Patrick C. Hann, we conduct evaluations that detect signs of sleep apnea. We also work with insurance providers and local doctors to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis, so a refreshing night’s sleep is restored to you. There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly.  This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again.  Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep.  Sleep apnea appliances work best on patients who are not significantly overweight. They offer a viable alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

Sleep apnea appliances fall into two categories: fixed and adjustable.  

One appliance our office uses is the Dorsal appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know if I have sleep apnea symptoms?

Though it can't be diagnosed without a sleep study, there are symptoms that you can look out for that indicate you may be suffering from sleep apnea. The most common symptoms are loud snoring and/or making gasping noises while sleeping. Other indicators include persistent tiredness, regularly waking up with headaches, experiencing depression, and trouble concentrating.

Can I get rid of sleep apnea?

Because of the complexities and levels of severity associated with sleep apnea, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for this sleep disorder. Some of the most common treatment methods include a CPAP machine, oral appliances, weight loss, humidifiers, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, oral surgery or laser therapy may be recommended if other treatments have proven ineffective or you have a physical condition that causes your sleep apnea.

What are the most common reasons for sleep apnea?

Obesity and excessive weight are the most common causes of sleep apnea in adults. Other common causes include allergies, a deviated septum, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, hypothyroidism, and other physical conditions. It's important to have your sleep apnea professionally diagnosed so that a personalized treatment plan can be recommended to alleviate your symptoms.

What can sleep apnea be mistaken for?

There are many conditions with similar symptoms as sleep apnea, that could also cause the sleep disorder, such as: Congestive heart failure, anxiety, bronchitis, high blood pressure among many other medical conditions. The best way to know if you have a sleep apnea disorder is to consult a specialist and have a proper diagnosis done.

Does sleep apnea happen every night?

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that can happen every night but it’s also common that your AHI varies nightly. AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) is a scale that tells whether you have a sleep apnea disorder and how serious it is.

Can anxiety be mistaken for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea and anxiety disorders share a few common symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue. In fact, some people might even occasionally mistake one for the other before they have a proper diagnosis made. More important though, is the fact that sleep apnea and anxiety can often cause a vicious cycle of deprived sleep.

How many apneas events per hour is normal?

While CPAP, oral appliances, and other sleep apnea treatments are designed to reduce but not eliminate events, it's considered normal to have up to four apneas an hour. 

 Contact Dr. Patrick C. Hann in Skokie for Sleep Apnea Treatment 

Dr. Hann can evaluate whether your sleep apnea is caused by CSA or OSA, and work with insurance providers to facilitate a sleep study. He also custom designs several orthopedic appliances such as night guards or splints, that treat obstructive sleep apnea by clearing the air passages with proper alignment of the jaw. These are comfortable and effective devices that restore your sleep and your health. Contact the dental office of Dr. Patrick C. Hann in Skokie today! 

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea appliances, please contact our Skokie dental practice.

CALL US: (773) 631-5788 REQUEST APPOINTMENT