Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea treatment can help you wake up feeling refreshed, reduce snoring, and improve daytime energy and focus. Better sleep also supports heart health, mood, and overall wellness. Our dental team offers comfortable, custom options to help you breathe easier and sleep soundly.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to airway blockage. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and prevent deep, restful sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to loud snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Treatment typically involves oral appliance therapy or CPAP, which helps keep the airway open while you sleep. Treating sleep apnea is important not only for better sleep, but for overall health, energy, and long-term wellness, helping you wake up feeling rested and ready for the day.
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What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start while sleeping, reducing oxygen levels and disrupting sleep.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airway. With central sleep apnea, your brain fails to send consistent signals to your breathing muscles. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can affect energy, focus, heart health, and overall quality of life. Diagnosis and treatment can safely significantly improve sleep, health, and daily well-being.
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How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, medical history, and testing. Our team will start by discussing snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, and sleep quality. A physical exam may evaluate airway structure, jaw position, and oral tissues. If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be recommended. This can be done overnight in a sleep center or at home using portable monitoring equipment. Results help determine severity and guide personalized treatment options. Early diagnosis improves overall health, energy levels, and long-term sleep-related outcomes for many patients.
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What are common sleep apnea symptoms?
Common signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, waking with a dry mouth or headache, and feeling tired even after a whole night in bed. You might notice daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or a need for extra caffeine to get through the day. Some people also experience frequent nighttime bathroom trips or restless sleep. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, a dental sleep screening can be a helpful first step.
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How is sleep apnea treated?
Sleep apnea is a common condition that can interrupt your breathing during sleep, leaving you tired, foggy, or irritable during the day. In many cases, treatment can be comfortable and straightforward. After a brief evaluation and, if needed, a sleep study, we may recommend a custom oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open. These small, easy-to-wear devices are a popular alternative for patients who struggle with CPAP.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
If you think you may be experiencing sleep apnea or would like to learn more about our treatment options, schedule an appointment today!