
Aug
Sleep apnea is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms occur while you’re asleep or develop gradually over time. At North Aurora Smiles in North Aurora, Illinois, our team helps patients recognize the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea and provides comprehensive evaluations to determine whether treatment may be appropriate. For eligible patients, custom oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable alternative that can help improve nighttime breathing and overall quality of life.
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, persistent, loud snoring is one of the most common warning signs. Snoring caused by restricted airflow may indicate that the airway is becoming partially blocked during sleep. If other symptoms accompany snoring, it’s worth discussing with a sleep apnea dentist.
If you feel tired despite spending enough time in bed, interrupted breathing may be preventing your body from reaching the deeper stages of restorative sleep. At North Aurora Smiles, we evaluate symptoms like persistent daytime fatigue as part of a comprehensive assessment to determine whether sleep apnea may be contributing to your lack of energy.
Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea wake up with headaches caused by repeated drops in oxygen levels during the night. Although headaches can have many causes, frequent morning headaches combined with other symptoms may warrant further evaluation.
Suddenly waking up feeling short of breath, gasping, or choking can be a sign that your airway is becoming blocked while you sleep. These episodes may occur multiple times each night, even if you don’t remember them the following morning. A professional evaluation can help determine whether sleep apnea is responsible for these nighttime breathing interruptions.
Yes. Poor-quality sleep affects more than your energy level. Many people with untreated sleep apnea experience trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, slower thinking, or reduced productivity during the day. Identifying and treating the underlying cause may help improve mental clarity and daily performance.
Breathing from your mouth during sleep is common among people with obstructive sleep apnea. This can leave you with a dry mouth, sore throat, or unpleasant morning breath. During your evaluation, the team at North Aurora Smiles can determine whether these symptoms may be related to nighttime airway obstruction and discuss appropriate next steps.
Frequent tossing and turning, repeated awakenings, or a bed partner noticing pauses in your breathing should never be ignored. These nighttime disruptions are often among the first signs that prompt patients to seek professional care. If sleep apnea is suspected, North Aurora Smiles can help guide you through the evaluation process and determine whether a custom oral appliance may be an effective treatment option.
If you frequently snore, wake up feeling tired, or suspect you may have sleep apnea, a professional evaluation is the first step toward better sleep. At North Aurora Smiles in North Aurora, Illinois, we assess your symptoms, discuss your treatment options, and work with your medical doctor to determine whether a custom oral appliance may be right for you. Call (630) 984-2223 today to schedule your consultation.
North Aurora Smiles is a patient-centered practice offering gentle, comprehensive dental care services for the whole family. Our top priority is to ensure the optimal health and wellness of our patients, and helping them to achieve healthy beautiful smiles for life. The doctors pride themselves on being whole-health focused with an overall philosophy of being minimally invasive in their dental treatment.
Dr. Hammad Aziz is a skilled and experienced professional, having graduated from Loyola University Chicago, Cum Laude with departmental honors and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. He is certified in Invisalign, Dental Implants, Six Month Smiles (invisible, clear braces), Sleep Apnea/Snoring with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Institute for Cranio-Facial Sleep Medicine. Dr. Aziz is also a BLS (CPR) Healthcare Provider / ACLS Certified. He is an active member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, and a Member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Founding Member and President Elect of the CM Dental Society, and Past President and Member of the Aurora Dental Society.
Dr. Stephanie Janes earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine. While there, she also earned a Master’s degree in Health Service Administration and a Humanitarian Award on behalf of the International College of Dentists. Later, she completed a General Practice Residency through the University of Chicago at NorthShore University HealthSystem – Evanston Hospital. She gained hospital dentistry experience with a focus on medically-compromised patients and emergency dentistry. This program enabled her to enhance her comprehensive dental skills, especially in endodontics and cosmetic dentistry. She is also certified in therapeutic botox and dermal filler treatments to relieve bruxism (clenching and grinding) and TMJ pains, which she is passionate about.