Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Not all snoring indicates sleep apnea, but if in addition to snoring you are excessively tired during waking hours, you may have sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is disrupted by a blockage of the airway, usually by soft tissues in the back of the throat. This means that the brain and body may not receive adequate oxygen. Apnea episodes can happen hundreds of times each night. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, depression, headaches, and more. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, seek treatment with W. Daniel Billington, DMD, MS, FAAOP. We treat patients in our office in Albany, NY.
Symptoms
• Very loud snoring
• Teeth grinding
• Extreme sleepiness or lack of energy (during waking hours)
• Headaches
• Waking up with a feeling of choking or gasping
• Sleepiness when driving
• Restlessness in bed
• Forgetfulness
Testing and Diagnosis
Dr. Billington may order a sleep test to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea, and if you do, the severity of it. The test may require you to sleep overnight in a lab where your brain waves, heart, breathing, and overall sleep will be monitored. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, the doctor will create a custom oral appliance for you. The appliance will fit like a sports mouthguard but will function differently. It aligns the lower jaw in a forward position. This keeps the upper portion of the airway open, preventing occurrences of apnea.
Dr. Billington is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has undergone training specific to sleep apnea and its treatment. Call 518-482-2728 for an evaluation for sleep apnea today.
W. Daniel Billington, DMD, MS, FAAOP
2 Executive Park Drive
Albany, NY 12203
Phone: 518-482-2728
Fax: 518-482-7040
Email: billingtondmd@gmail.com
Facebook: W Daniel Billington, DMD, MS, PLLC
Instagram: billingtonofp
HOURS
Monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed