Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious medical problems.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, please take complete our online questionnaire. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and cannot tolerate the CPAP, our office can help.
Improperly treated obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Choosing a sleep-disorders dentist who is qualified to work with your physician is essential to your health or the health of a loved one.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical problem that has been associated with cardiac problems, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, ED, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and numerous other medical problems. Neither snoring nor sleep apnea should be taken lightly, as your health is at stake. Recent research is beginning to explore the complex interrelationships between sleep apnea and these other medical problems. Management by a dentist should always involve interaction with your family physician, cardiologist, pulmonologist and/or endocrinologist.
The dentist you choose to treat your problem with sleep disordered breathing must be properly educated and with adequate experience. Legally, any dentist can treat snoring and/or sleep apnea with an oral appliance, however, that does not mean that every dentist has the necessary experience and training to provide proper therapy. Because no special qualifications are required it is your responsibility to choose your dentist wisely. A qualified sleep-disorders dentist should have:
Yes. Dentists trained in sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliance therapy designed to reposition the jaw and improve airflow during sleep.
It is a custom-fitted device worn at night that gently repositions your lower jaw to keep your airway open, reducing apnea events and snoring.
Many patients prefer oral appliances because they are compact, quiet, and travel-friendly. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, they can be highly effective.
In many cases, medical insurance may provide coverage. Medicare patients are usually paid for when documentation and medical-necessity requirements are met, and our team can help guide you through the process.
Common signs include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and waking up gasping for air. A sleep study is needed for diagnosis.
Yes. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and chronic fatigue.
Custom appliances are designed specifically for your mouth and are typically much more comfortable than over-the-counter devices.
After your consultation and impressions, your appliance is usually ready within a few weeks.
In many cases, yes. By stabilizing the airway, the appliance significantly reduces or eliminates snoring.
Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.
