Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment

Have you been told you snore? Are you constantly tired, no matter how many hours of sleep you get? Are your teeth starting to show indications of wear and damage from grinding? There may be a reason.

At Indian Creek Family Dentistry, we help patients identify and manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep-related breathing disorder that can affect both overall health and oral health.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the throat’s muscles and soft tissues relax during sleep, leading to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This can result in numerous breathing interruptions throughout the night, with some individuals experiencing these disruptions multiple times every hour.Each time this happens, the body briefly awakens to restore normal breathing, disrupting healthy sleep cycles and reducing the restorative sleep needed for optimal health and daily function.

The effects of sleep apnea extend beyond poor sleep. Many people experience excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, morning headaches, and reduced quality of life. Research has also shown that untreated sleep apnea is linked to a higher probability of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension or elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive deterioration.

As dental professionals, we may identify signs that can be associated with sleep-disordered breathing during routine examinations. These signs may include tongue scalloping, excessive tooth wear, cracked or fractured teeth, gumline abrasion, and signs of acid erosion. While these findings do not diagnose sleep apnea on their own, they may indicate the need for further evaluation.

Although sleep apnea is a serious health condition, effective treatment options are available. For numerous patients experiencing mild to moderate sleep apnea, a personalized oral device can be created to softly shift the lower jaw while sleeping, aiding in the reduction of airway blockage and enhancing breathing. For more severe cases, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is typically advised, although some patients who find CPAP intolerable may gain advantages from oral appliance therapy depending on their specific diagnosis and treatment requirements.

Our team can help assist you through each step of the process, from arranging home sleep testing and coordinating with a board-certified sleep physician to providing custom oral appliance therapy and ongoing follow-up care. We can also help review available insurance benefits and discuss potential coverage options for eligible treatment services.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn whether treatment for sleep apnea or chronic snoring could help you achieve healthier, more restful sleep.