Lynchburg, VA Dentist, Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff Warns Patients about the Dangers of Sleep Apnea

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Sept. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
434-239-8133
www.kevinmidkiffdds.com

Lynchburg, VA Dentist, Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff Warns Patients about the Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is an involuntary suspension of breathing that occurs while a patient is asleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-threatening consequences including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes, depression, and other ailments. This is why Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff at Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can offer a wide variety of options to patients who are diagnosed with this disorder.

It can be tough to identify sleep apnea on your own, since the most prominent symptoms only occur when you are asleep. Although chances are your partner will identify it for you since you’ll likely be disturbing their sleep.  The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, Dr. Kevin Midkiff may suggest an Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) procedure as a last resort. UPPP is a procedure used to remove excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway. This sometimes can allow air to move through the throat more easily when you breathe, reducing snoring. Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, surgery, and breathing devices can successfully treat sleep apnea in many people.

You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly, and you feel tired even after a full night's sleep. If you have questions about sleep apnea and treatment visit www.kevinmidkiffdds.comfor more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin S. Midkiff at his Family & Cosmetic Dentistry practice in Lynchburg, VA, call 434-239-8133.