Many patients live with severe daytime exhaustion, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating without ever realizing they can relieve these symptoms by treating common sleep-related disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea in Texarkana. It causes cessations of breathing for potentially 1 minute or longer while sleeping. These events can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. The apnea incidents trigger a stress response from the brain and the body, waking you repeatedly during the night and significantly diminishing both the quantity and quality of sleep. Thankfully, you can get the rest you need with the right treatment.
Sleep apnea has several indicators, which can often be attributed to other issues; however, if you experience any of the following, it’s best to contact your physician right away:
Dentists have years of advanced training in the way of oral and facial structures interact. This includes knowledge of the ideal airway function. When you visit a dentist to treat your sleep apnea, you can receive conservative, comfortable treatment that will allow you to sleep soundly throughout the night.
The best treatment depends on your individual needs. A CPAP is the most traditional solution, which delivers a steady stream of air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth or nose. Although it’s effective, it can be bothersome with some patients.
As an alternative to a CPAP, mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea can often be treated with an oral appliance, which repositions your lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. This gently shifts the jaw and places pressure on the throat muscles, keeping the airway clear and unobstructed throughout the night. In some cases, you may recommend a combination of treatments.
Many patients notice a difference in their sleep quality the first night of treatment. As each day passes, you may continue to see a gradual change in your symptoms until they dissipate. Even if your symptoms are resolved, it’s essential you continue with your sleep apnea treatment to control the disorder.
If you’ve experienced sleep apnea warning signs or you’ve recently been diagnosed, it’s time to see your dentist in Texarkana. Our office offers the latest treatment solutions, including oral appliance therapy, to help our patients sleep soundly through the night. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
A sleep apnea diagnosis is life-changing, and you’re sure to have several concerns about what lies ahead, but there isn’t any reason to worry. We’ll take the time to explain your diagnosis and treatment during your initial visit. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us to help ease any apprehensions until your appointment.
Sleep apnea causes several complications, other than just a poor night’s rest. Instead, the frequent pauses in breathing make the oxygen level in your blood to drop. Over time, this strains your cardiovascular system, forcing your heart to work much harder. This can lead to a variety of issues, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even an increased risk of stroke.
You’ll also be at risk of several other complications, including sleep deprivation. This causes your cognitive abilities to decline, which can make you significantly more prone to workplace and auto accidents.
Traditionally, sleep doctors have relied upon continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea. As the name suggests, this treatment uses a continuous flow of air to keep the airway clear, allowing patients to sleep soundly throughout the night. Unfortunately, many patients have difficulty adjusting to loud sounds and strange sensations that accompany CPAP therapy. These patients are referred to as being CPAP intolerant. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recommends patients consider oral appliance therapy in any of the following situations:
Oral appliances are custom-made to fit your smile. These appliances shift the jaw forward to place pressure on the throat muscles that then stretch to keep the airway unblocked. Oral appliances can be used in conjunction with CPAP therapy to offer improved treatment for those with more severe sleep apnea.
Although you visit a dentist for sleep apnea treatment, your dental insurance isn’t used to pay for your care. Instead, we’ll bill your medical insurance. Every policy differs, but most plans include coverage for sleep apnea therapy. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary claim forms to minimize any out-of-pocket expense. Our office accepts several payment methods to help you get the relief you need without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s essential you seek care from a qualified professional. There are certain changes you can make at home to breathe better, but they may not fully resolve your symptoms. It’s best to combine your sleep apnea therapy with certain lifestyle modifications, such as:
