Sleep Apnea Treatment: What Patients in Worcester Need to Know
Quality sleep is essential for health, but for many people, sleep apnea makes restful nights nearly impossible. This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to fatigue, loud snoring, and long-term health risks.
At her Worcester practice, Dr. Monica Gobran specializes in dental sleep medicine and provides solutions that go far beyond the CPAP machine. Here, she answers the 10 most common patient questions about sleep apnea treatment.
1. What exactly is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing stops and starts multiple times during the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the airway becomes blocked by relaxed muscles or the tongue.
2. What symptoms should I look for?
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a partner points it out. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent, loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue or brain fog
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
3. Why is treatment important?
Left untreated, sleep apnea can raise your risk for:
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression or mood disorders
- Car accidents due to drowsiness
4. How is it diagnosed?
A sleep study — either in a clinic or at home — is the gold standard. Dr. Gobran works closely with sleep physicians in Worcester to ensure every patient has an accurate diagnosis before treatment begins.
5. What treatments are available?
Treatment depends on the severity of your sleep apnea:
- CPAP therapy
- Oral appliance therapy (Dr. Gobran’s specialty)
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, sleep position training)
- Surgery in complex cases
6. What is oral appliance therapy?
A custom-made oral appliance is similar to a nightguard. It repositions your jaw slightly forward to prevent airway collapse while you sleep.
7. Is it effective?
Yes. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, studies show oral appliances can reduce snoring and restore restful sleep. They’re also easier to tolerate than CPAP for many patients.
8. Why see a dentist for sleep apnea care?
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine, like Dr. Gobran, can create custom-fitted devices tailored to your bite. Unlike over-the-counter devices, these appliances are comfortable, effective, and designed for long-term use.
9. Am I a candidate for an oral appliance?
If you have mild to moderate OSA or cannot tolerate CPAP, you may be an ideal candidate. Dr. Gobran will review your sleep study and design a personalized treatment plan.
10. Why choose Dr. Gobran in Worcester?
- Expertise in dental sleep medicine
- Collaboration with local sleep physicians
- Patient-focused, compassionate approach
- Convenient Worcester location
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you struggle with fatigue, snoring, or disrupted sleep, it may be time for an evaluation. Dr. Monica Gobran offers proven, comfortable treatments to help Worcester patients breathe easier and sleep better.
📍 Worcester, MA
🌐 drgobransleepapnea.com
📞 Call today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation
