How can we help you?
Welcome to Mountain Vista Dental's FAQ section, where we've compiled answers to the questions our patients ask most frequently. At our practice, we believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health, which is why we're committed to clear, transparent communication.
Dr. Steven Carlson and our entire team strive to provide you with comprehensive information about dental procedures, payment options, insurance coverage, and what to expect during your visits. We hope these answers help address your immediate concerns, but please remember that your specific situation may require personalized guidance.
If you don't find the information you're looking for here, we encourage you to contact our dental office in Colorado Springs directly. We're always happy to take the time to thoroughly address your questions and concerns. Your comfort and confidence in your dental care are important to us, and no question is too small when it comes to your oral health.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. At Mountain Vista Dental, Dr. Carlson wants patients to understand that sleep apnea affects much more than just your sleep quality—it can impact your entire health.
What Happens During Sleep Apnea
When you suffer from sleep apnea, your airway is blocked during sleep. This causes you to stop breathing for short periods. Your body wakes you up just enough to restart breathing, but this happens over and over throughout the night. You might not even remember waking up, but your body never gets the restful sleep it needs.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Heart
Sleep apnea puts severe stress on your heart and blood vessels. The repeated drops in oxygen levels can lead to high blood pressure that's hard to control with medication. It also increases your risk of heart disease, irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and stroke. Studies show that severe sleep apnea can triple your risk of having a stroke.
Impact on Your Blood Sugar and Weight
Sleep apnea makes it harder for your body to control blood sugar, increasing your risk of developing diabetes. If you already have diabetes, sleep apnea can make it much harder to manage. The condition also affects hormones that control hunger, making weight management more difficult.
Effects on Your Daily Life
Poor sleep from sleep apnea leaves you feeling tired during the day, making it hard to concentrate, remember things, or think clearly. This can affect your work performance and increase your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery.
How We Can Help
Dr. Carlson works with sleep specialists to provide oral appliances that can effectively treat sleep apnea. These custom-made devices help keep your airway open while you sleep, allowing you to breathe normally and get the restorative sleep your body needs.
Don't ignore the signs of sleep apnea—promptly addressing it can significantly improve your overall health and quality of life. Contact Mountain Vista Dental at (719) 598-8886 to book an evaluation with Dr. Carlson to learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Colorado Springs.