Many people suffer from sleep apnea, a condition which makes getting a good night's sleep difficult, if not impossible. Unfortunately, because the symptoms of this disorder only manifest when you're sleeping, sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed until it causes other, potentially serious health problems. As Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, a general dentistry office in Kailua Kona, HI, explains, this potentially dangerous condition requires long-term management.

Essentially, sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes obstructed or collapses while you're asleep, making it difficult to draw a breath. This type, known as obstructed sleep apnea, often manifests as loud snoring, as the patient struggles to breathe. However, the long-term consequences are much more serious than occasional noise.

Not only can sleep apnea make breathing difficult, but it can also cause you to stop breathing several times per night, for periods lasting up to several seconds. While you almost certainly won't suffocate in your sleep, apnea will leave you exhausted, even after sleeping through the night, and may cause other, more serious medical conditions, like acid reflux, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

In the past, patients with sleep apnea were prescribed cumbersome, uncomfortable machines to assist in breathing, but these days an oral appliance from a dentist can often be a more preferred method of treatment. Each of these appliances is custom-molded by a skilled dentist to fit the inside of your mouth, ensuring a fit comfortable enough to ensure a good night's sleep.

If you suspect you're suffering from sleep apnea, Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS has the specialized training and staff to help get the relief you need. In addition to world-class dental services, this clinic strives to create the most comforting, relaxing experience possible for all of their patients. To learn more about sleep apnea and make your initial appointment, call their offices at (808) 322-0101, or visit their website today.