Sleep apnea is a common condition that interferes with your breathing while you sleep, often without you even knowing it.
It can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and frustrated no matter how early you go to bed. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Richmond, VA, we offer simple, effective solutions to help you breathe easier and sleep better. Call today to schedule a consultation and take your first step toward restful sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious but common sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to a minute or more and may happen dozens, or even hundreds, of times while you sleep. While you may not fully wake up during each episode, your body is constantly being pulled out of the deep, restorative stages of sleep, leaving you fatigued, foggy, and frustrated during the day.
At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Richmond, VA, we help patients identify and manage sleep apnea with simple, effective treatments that improve both sleep quality and overall health. Our solutions are designed to be comfortable, convenient, and compatible with your lifestyle.
- Breathing disruptions are frequent: Airflow stops or becomes shallow several times an hour.
- Oxygen levels drop: This triggers the brain to react and restore breathing.
- The body stays in light sleep: You may never reach the restorative sleep cycle.
Types Of Sleep Apnea
Understanding the type of sleep apnea you have is essential to choosing the right treatment. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we work closely with sleep specialists when needed to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by relaxed throat muscles collapsing and blocking the airway.
- Central sleep apnea: Less common and neurologically based, occurring when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles responsible for breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central types, requiring specialized care.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea symptoms often go unnoticed by the person affected, as they happen during sleep. Many people become aware of the problem through observations from a partner or family member. However, the daytime effects are unmistakable and can worsen over time if left untreated.
- Snoring or choking during sleep: Often reported by a partner or roommate.
- Waking with dry mouth or headaches: Caused by interrupted airflow and poor oxygenation.
- Persistent fatigue during the day: You feel drained even after a full night’s rest.
- Mood changes and forgetfulness: Sleep deprivation affects memory and emotions.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we make the diagnostic process as easy and accessible as possible. Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, we may recommend a home sleep study or collaborate with a local sleep clinic for in-lab testing. Accurate diagnosis is the key to choosing the most effective treatment.
- Home sleep studies are convenient: A wearable device records breathing and oxygen levels overnight.
- In-lab studies provide full diagnostics: Track brain activity, heart rate, and breathing in a controlled setting.
- Data is reviewed by professionals: Your results are interpreted by trained sleep specialists.
- Next steps are personalized: We use your results to design the right treatment plan.
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain characteristics increase your risk. If you identify with any of the following risk factors, it’s especially important to seek evaluation. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help you understand and reduce your risk.
- Excess body weight or neck size: Can physically restrict the airway.
- Tobacco or alcohol use: Increases airway collapse during sleep.
- Ongoing nasal or sinus issues: Makes nighttime breathing more difficult.
- Family history of apnea or snoring: May increase your likelihood of developing it.
Health Risks Of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is more than an inconvenience—it’s a chronic health condition with serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, with timely diagnosis and care from Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, these risks can be minimized or even reversed.
- Higher risk of heart conditions: Including high blood pressure, stroke, and arrhythmias.
- Blood sugar regulation worsens: Poor sleep may contribute to type 2 diabetes.
- Cognitive and emotional health decline: Linked to memory loss and depression.
- Daily functioning suffers: Sleep deprivation affects focus, energy, and productivity.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a non-invasive and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy—custom oral appliance therapy. These small, personalized devices reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while you sleep. They are easy to wear, quiet, and highly effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is a popular and effective treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we create custom-fit oral appliances that gently reposition your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep. These appliances are small, quiet, and easy to wear, making them an ideal alternative for patients who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or difficult to maintain.
Because each appliance is crafted specifically for your bite and anatomy, it offers a secure fit and maximum comfort. Oral appliance therapy is non-invasive, portable, and convenient, allowing you to get the restful sleep you need without disrupting your lifestyle. With ongoing support from our team, we’ll ensure your appliance continues to provide effective results as your needs evolve.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy
CPAP therapy is often considered the gold standard for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. This method involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a constant stream of air pressure throughout the night, keeping your airway open and preventing pauses in breathing. While CPAP is highly effective, some patients struggle with the size, noise, or maintenance involved with the device.
At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we often collaborate with sleep specialists to ensure patients who need CPAP receive the proper guidance and care. For those unable to tolerate CPAP, we offer alternative solutions such as oral appliance therapy. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and currently use a CPAP but experience discomfort or poor compliance, talk to our team about exploring other treatment options that may better suit your needs.
Lifestyle Modifications
In many cases, certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms and overall sleep quality. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we encourage patients to take a holistic approach to care, which often includes adjustments to daily habits and health routines. Losing excess weight can reduce pressure on the airway and decrease the severity of symptoms. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco, especially in the evening, can help prevent airway collapse during sleep.
Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, treating allergies or sinus issues, and sleeping on your side rather than your back can also reduce the frequency of breathing disruptions. While these changes may not completely resolve sleep apnea on their own, they often enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and contribute to better long-term outcomes.
Finally, Sleep Without Struggle
A full night’s rest should help you feel energized, not more exhausted. At Murry & Kuhn Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Richmond, VA, we’re here to help you breathe easier and wake up feeling renewed. Our trusted team will walk with you every step of the way to make treatment simple and effective. Call now to get started with sleep apnea care that fits your life.