Sleep Apnea

Service Description

People with sleep apnea often don’t realize they stop breathing at night. Snoring is not always present, so some people (especially women) remain undiagnosed. Common signs include: Loud snoring or gasping/choking sounds during sleep Feeling tired or groggy even after a full night’s sleep Morning headaches Needing to sleep propped up on two or more pillows Jaw or facial pain from clenching and grinding Trouble concentrating or memory problems Irritability or mood changes Hypertension Stroke Cardiovascular disease Insulin resistance Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea can include: A history of childhood dental crowding Anatomy of the jaw, tongue, or throat that makes the airway smaller Excess weight around the neck and airway Nasal or airway congestion Family history of sleep apnea Sleep position (sleeping on the back can worsen airway collapse) The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable, and options can be tailored to your needs: Lifestyle changes: losing weight, improving sleep habits, or changing sleep position. Oral appliances: custom devices worn in the mouth to gently move the jaw forward, keeping the airway open. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): a machine that delivers steady air pressure through a mask to prevent airway collapse. (Not offered by our clinic.) Surgical options: in some cases, procedures to adjust the airway anatomy may be considered. (Not offered by our clinic.) If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are looking for an alternative to CPAP, let us work with your physician to receive the medical prescription necessary for a mandibular advancement device. If you suspect sleep apnea, but have not yet been tested, please call our office to undergo home sleep testing. With proper treatment, patients often experience better sleep, more energy during the day, improved focus, and relief from jaw and headache pain.