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Sleep Apnea Table of Contents

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person’s breathing stops and restarts repeatedly during the night, breaking up the sleep cycle and causing other negative effects. Symptoms of sleep apnea include grogginess during the day, teeth grinding, loud snoring at night, and restless, broken sleep. Most people with sleep apnea have a physical blockage in the upper airway. This type of sleep apnea is known as OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). During sleep, the muscles at the back of the throat relax, allowing nearby tissues to block the airway.

Female patient using sleep apnea treatment machine
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What are Common Symptoms Associated with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common example that illustrates the way oral health issues can ripple outward, causing problems in other areas of your day-to-day life. 

As we worked on treating guests with sleep apnea in Jacksonville, we eventually noticed several common symptoms that reoccurred, all of which can be attributed to lack of sleep or sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Related Health Risks

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Increased risk of heart attack
  • Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia
  • Mood disorders, including depression
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Acid reflux and other digestive issues
Infographic showing health impacts of sleep apnea

Why is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea is dangerous because it disrupts normal breathing patterns during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation and fragmented sleep cycles. Untreated sleep apnea can result in a range of serious health complications, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, it increases the risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness and impaired concentration.

Going Above and Beyond the CPAP Machine

Many guests are given a CPAP machine to treat their sleep apnea, but these appliances aren’t for everyone—especially guests who suffer from severe OSA, where the CPAP is the gold standard. When working with our guests’ physicians as a team, we can collectively help determine what is best for each individual, tailoring your treatment to the specifics of your case. 

These decisions are achieved through home sleep testing with devices like the MEDIBYTE, which provides information on breathing and sleep patterns, and/or through studies conducted at conventional sleep centers. Thoroughly gathering information helps us decide whether or not you might be suited to a sleep apnea treatment like an oral appliance or change in diet.

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Sleep Apnea and Your Overall Health

After noticing the correlation between sleep apnea and further health issues several times over, we began researching dental appliances as an alternative to the popular CPAP machine that is typically used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). For some individuals who cannot tolerate the CPAP machine, an oral appliance may provide treatment for their condition. In addition, these appliances can also be designed to serve as orthotics that can help treat TMJ disorders.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea and are interested in learning how addressing it can relieve a number of other issues that might be plaguing you, the Admira dental team is here to help. Simply reach out and set up an appointment to begin your sleep apnea treatment in Jacksonville, FL.

Why Good Sleep Matters

Breathing is vital to our survival. So is uninterrupted sleep, which is a time during which your body has the vital opportunity to rest, repair, and renew itself. All the same, many individuals are experiencing sleep interruptions throughout the night...and may be doing so without even being aware of them! 

Signs of Poor Sleep

Signs of poor sleep often include excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, irritability, frequent headaches, and a decline in overall cognitive and physical functioning, impacting daily life quality. If you’ve been experiencing any of these issues and aren’t sure why, we recommend setting up a consultation at our Jacksonville office.

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Patient Reviews

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Wanted to thank Dr. Sixto and the Admira Team. My sleep apnea oral appliance has changed my life. I sleep better, snore less and feel more rested. The airway-focused approach at Admira Dentistry is top tier.

Leo Marrero

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If you are looking for a dentist STOP right now--you just found the JACKPOT!!! I don't even think there are enough stars in the galaxy to represent how amazing the team is at Admira Dentistry. Everybody and I mean everybody from the minute you walk thru the door is a rockstar. I gladly drive an hour each way for the care, knowledge and skill they provide not just for my mouth but for my soul as well. So many people just hate going to the dentist but not me--I actually look forward to it big time!

Katherine Ginella

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What Patients Want to Know About Sleep Apnea Treatment

“I don’t want to use a CPAP machine."

We hear this all the time. While CPAP is a standard treatment, it’s not the only option. At Admira Dentistry, we specialize in custom-fit oral appliances that are compact, quiet, and comfortable. Perfect for patients who want an alternative that fits into their lifestyle.

“Is a dentist really qualified to treat sleep apnea?”

Absolutely. Dr. Sixto has advanced training in dental sleep medicine and has successfully treated numerous patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy. We also work closely with sleep physicians to ensure comprehensive care.

“Will I actually sleep better?”

Yes. Many of our patients report more restful sleep, fewer nighttime awakenings, and better daytime energy. By addressing the root cause of airway obstruction, oral appliance therapy helps restore normal breathing patterns, so your body can truly rest.

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Developing Your Sleep Apnea Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis, your sleep apnea treatment may be as simple as a change in diet. If we determine that you would better benefit from the help of a specially designed oral appliance that prevents airway blockage, we’ll create one for you.

The professional team here at Admira is ready to help you decide which sleep device, TMJ treatment or combination of treatments will work best for you. We’ll get to the root of your sleep issues and enable you to once again enjoy a full quality of life.

When you’re ready to learn more about what the Admira team can do for you, a member of our helpful team is standing by and ready to help you get started on your journey. Simply reach out to our Jacksonville office and set up your consultation today!

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Resolve Sleep Apnea with Dr. Julio Sixto

Dr. Sixto uses advanced, cutting-edge techniques to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea in Jacksonville. He is a compassionate dentist who understands how important it is to treat sleep apnea effectively, giving you back a good night of sleep. As a specialist in treating concerns such as sleep apnea and TMD, he is a top choice for individuals who want to resolve the effects of sleep apnea for good. Beyond his required medical training and extensive experience, Dr. Sixto has earned fellow status with the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI Global).

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Related Resources

Sleep Apnea FAQ

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Can sleep apnea be cured?

What foods make sleep apnea worse?

What is the best sleep position for people with sleep apnea?

How can I check if I have sleep apnea?

Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?

Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Can sleep apnea cause headaches?

Can you fully get rid of sleep apnea?

How long will it take to reverse damage from sleep apnea?

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

We will begin by taking X-rays of your mouth and neck. X-rays may show the tissues in the throat are large or that there is some blockage in the airway. A hands-on examination may also help to determine what could be obstructing breathing. Further testing, such as a sleep study, may be recommended.

Can sleep apnea be cured?

There is no “cure” for sleep apnea, which is a chronic condition. However, there are modern treatments and a range of lifestyle changes that can effectively reduce the symptoms.

What foods make sleep apnea worse?

There are a number of foods that can make sleep apnea worse, including fatty meats, bananas, and high-fat dairy products. Alcohol, sleeping pills, antihistamines, anti-depressants, and other medications can also worsen sleep apnea.

What is the best sleep position for people with sleep apnea?

Sleep on your side or stomach to help keep your airways open. It can also be beneficial to airway flow to sleep with your head elevated, as upright as possible. Use a wedge-shaped foam pillow to help keep your head elevated and the airways more open instead of a softer, more squishy material.

How can I check if I have sleep apnea?

It can be difficult to check yourself for sleep apnea. A partner may be able to notice this and alert you. You can also use an at-home sleep apnea test to monitor your breathing. To be certain, you should see your dentist or doctor to have your throat and airways checked or have a sleep study performed.

Can sleep apnea cause high blood pressure?

Yes, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure by repeatedly interrupting normal breathing during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation and increased stress on the cardiovascular system.

Can sleep apnea cause weight gain?

Yes, sleep apnea can contribute to weight gain by disrupting sleep patterns and increasing appetite-regulating hormones, potentially leading to overeating and obesity.

Can sleep apnea cause headaches?

Yes, sleep apnea can cause headaches due to the reduced oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns, which can trigger morning headaches in affected individuals.

Can you fully get rid of sleep apnea?

While some individuals may experience significant improvement or even resolution of sleep apnea symptoms with lifestyle changes, weight loss, or certain treatments, it's not always possible to fully get rid of sleep apnea. In many cases, ongoing management with therapies like CPAP or oral appliances may be necessary to effectively control the condition and mitigate associated health risks.

How long will it take to reverse damage from sleep apnea?

The timeline for reversing damage from sleep apnea varies depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, individual health, and adherence to treatment. With consistent use of therapies like CPAP or oral appliances, improvements in symptoms and reduction of associated risks may be observed within weeks to months.

Ready to Sleep Better and Feel Better?

If you’re tired of restless nights, loud snoring, or the health risks that come with untreated sleep apnea, Admira Dentistry offers comfortable, practical solutions tailored to your needs. Let Dr. Sixto and our expert team help you breathe easier and enjoy truly restorative sleep, without the discomfort of a CPAP machine.

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