Do you or your partner snore? Are you often sleepy or irritated even after a full night of sleep? You may have sleep apnea. Dr. Ratti Handa is an airway dentist who specializes in sleep apnea treatment. She collaborates with her patients to find the right treatment options to stop their sleep apnea symptoms and prevent airway, sleep, and heart problems. Dr. Handa knows that sleep apnea can be disruptive and uncomfortable for many patients. Because of this, she uses the most comfortable, proven treatment options for sleep apnea available in her Acton, MA office.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Learn more about sleep apnea with answers to these commonly asked questions:
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
There are multiple common signs of sleep apnea, including:
- Snoring
- Difficulty staying asleep (Insomnia)
- Dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
Please contact us if you notice one or more of these symptoms in you or a loved one. Sleep apnea is marked by episodes of no breathing during the night which can impact patients’ heart health. Receive professional care to reverse sleep apnea symptoms.
Do I have sleep apnea if I snore?
Although snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, the two are not mutually exclusive. Patients can snore and not have sleep apnea. However, snoring is a sign of a partially obstructed airway and can sometimes be an indicator of obstructive sleep apnea.
Am I at risk of developing sleep apnea?
There are several common sleep apnea risk factors. Patients are more prone to develop sleep apnea if they are overweight, smokers, diabetic, male, or over 40. These conditions can narrow the airway or lead to disordered breathing.
Can sleep apnea go away on its own?
No, if patients have sleep apnea, they cannot easily reverse their sleep apnea symptoms without professional treatment. Over time, as sleep apnea worsens, patients may need CPAP machines to help them sleep. In the early stages of sleep apnea, patients benefit from oral appliances. Contact a professional for sleep apnea treatment if you notice any signs of the disorder so you can reverse your symptoms.
What is the Vivos® treatment for sleep apnea?
Vivos is an oral appliance and alternative to the CPAP. CPAP machines can be helpful fr patients with more severe forms of sleep apnea. However, patients with more moderate forms of sleep apnea benefit from Vivos. This treatment addresses the underlying cause of sleep apnea for many patients, which is a narrow airway. The Vivos appliance is similar to a mouthguard in that it covers the teeth. It is a custom-made appliance that opens up the airway and prevents disordered breathing through the night.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Today
Are you or a loved one at risk of developing sleep apnea? Call today. If you are a new patient, call us at 978.212.3783. Current patients can call 978.635.9995. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Handa online. Please let Dr. Handa know if you have questions about your symptoms or treatment options. She will be glad to help.