What are the Types of Sleep Apnea?

Wilson, Greenville, Goldsboro, Rocky Mount, Raleigh & nearby areas

Tue, 06/26/2012

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person experiences repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. There are two types of sleep apnea, each with a different cause:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by tissues in the throat collapsing into the airway and blocking airflow.
  • Central sleep apnea is caused by a failure of the brain to signal breathing muscles.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common. Our dentists are experienced in diagnosing sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea will cause you to stop breathing momentarily while you are asleep. Most likely, you will not be conscious of the repeated pauses, even though the breathing cessation will cause you to wake up slightly.

If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, our practice provides nighttime oral appliances to prevent airway collapse. These appliances keep the tissues of your throat from falling backward into your airway, and they hold your jaws in proper alignment. Our dentists can determine the most effective way to alleviate your sleep apnea, so that you can enjoy regenerative and renewing sleep again.

If you live in Wilson, Rocky Mount, or the surrounding North Carolina areas and think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles to schedule a free initial consultation.

Dixon Boles & Associates