Everyone snores occasionally, but loud or excessive snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, a potentially life-threatening disorder. At Maine Family Dental, we understand the serious risk involved, so we offer effective sleep apnea treatment in Bangor, Maine.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea 
You may also hear sleep apnea referred to as obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. Apnea is a pause in breathing that lasts ten seconds or longer. When we lay down to sleep, the tongue and soft tissues in the throat relax.
This movement is normal, but for some people, it blocks the airway and prevents them from breathing. The body can only go so long without oxygen before it forces you to wake you up to breathe, which often results in a loud snorting or gasping sound.
Apnea episodes can occur hundreds of times a night for those with OSA, and the result is a lack of restful sleep that causes daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and drowsy-driving automobile accidents.
Over time, sleep apnea can also lead to health risks such as:
- Hypertension
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Bangor, ME
At Maine Family Dental, we work with your primary care doctor to determine if an FDA-approved oral appliance worn during sleep is appropriate for you. The device moves your lower jaw forward, which prevents your airway from closing up so you can finally get a good night’s sleep.
If you or your partner snore excessively or wake up feeling fatigued every day, call our Bangor, ME dentist office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Travis Buxton.
