Sleep Apnea Treatment: Transform Your Life with Better Sleep and Health
Have you been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Spokane, Washington? Wake up feeling refreshed again! Stein Family Dentistry treats sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, a simple yet effective treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Our customized oral appliances keep your airway open when sleeping, allowing you to breathe easily and sleep soundly. No more sleepless nights or chronic daytime fatigue.
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be central or obstructive. OSA is the most common and is treatable at a dental office. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax excessively when sleeping. This blocks your airway, causing cessation in breathing for 10 seconds or more. OSA is marked by loud snoring and gasping/choking for air as the body tries to resume normal breathing.
While standard snoring doesn’t cause unpleasant symptoms, the signs of OSA include:
- Morning headaches
- Waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep
- Irritability and mood changes
- Daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration
- Decreased sex drive
- Anxiety and depression
- Fragmented sleep patterns
Untreated sleep apnea has far-reaching consequences for your overall health. It puts you at risk of heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other systemic conditions. If you suspect OSA, don’t put off treatment any longer. Schedule an appointment with a sleep apnea dentist for effective treatment.
How do we treat OSA?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the standard treatment for mild to moderate OSA. This machine delivers air through a mask worn during sleep. A CPAP keeps the airway open and promotes healthy breathing when sleeping. Unfortunately, many patients drop this treatment because they find the machine cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Can’t tolerate CPAP therapy? Dr. Andy Stein can treat OSA with a custom-fitted oral device that fits like a nightguard. This oral device keeps the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue. Oral appliances improve your sleep apnea symptoms after a few days when worn as directed.
Many patients love oral appliance therapy because it offers numerous benefits. The treatment is comfortable and noiseless, and you don’t need electricity to use the device. An oral device is also easy to travel with, and maintenance isn’t cumbersome.
How long does it take to get used to my oral appliance?
Getting a sleep apnea oral device requires two easy dental visits. Digital scans of your teeth and mouth are taken during the first appointment to create a detailed blueprint for your custom-made device. This ensures the appliance is perfectly tailored for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
When your appliance is ready, you’ll schedule another appointment to pick it up. During this session, we’ll provide instructions on how to wear and care for your appliance to maximize its lifespan and performance. While it may take a few days to adjust, any initial side effects, such as increased saliva production, typically subside quickly. Once accustomed, you’ll enjoy normal breathing and restful sleep without even noticing you have a nightguard in your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Must sleep apnea treatment involve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?
Not always. CPAP is a common option, but it is not the only choice. CPAP therapy uses a machine that pumps a steady flow of pressurized air into the airway through a special mask. This prevents your airway from collapsing, reducing symptoms of sleep apnea. While effective, some patients rarely complete treatment because of irritability and noise. Fortunately, alternatives such as oral appliance therapy (OAT) provide a comfortable yet effective solution.
Are there more than one type of sleep apnea?
Absolutely! Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type, accounting for more than 80% of all sleep apnea cases. Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway is obstructed while sleeping. Another type of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea (CSA). It occurs when the brain fails to send the right signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Although rare, some individuals have a combination of both, which is known as complex sleep apnea. Each type affects breathing differently, and treatment depends on diagnosis.
How does sleep apnea affect my health?
Sleep apnea disrupts breathing through the night. It also results in several awakenings, disrupting your sleep. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue, headaches, and impaired concentration. Long-term, it can raise the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and mood disorders. Treating apnea protects your overall health and quality of life.
How can a dentist help treat sleep apnea?
Your dental office may be the last place to think about if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, as it turns out, your dentist could be one of the best physicians to manage sleep apnea. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine use customized oral appliances to manage this sleep-disordered breathing condition. This retainer-like appliance repositions the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open when sleeping.
How do I know if I need treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?
Common signs include:
- Loud snoring, gasping/choking during sleep
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches and sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue, despite a full night’s sleep
- Irritability and mood changes
Self-diagnosing OSA is challenging because the symptoms happen subconsciously when sleeping. If a bed partner sees pauses in breathing, that is a significant warning sign. A sleep study confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the treatment plan.
Why should I opt for sleep apnea treatment?
Treatment restores quality sleep, a life-changing benefit for many patients. Healthy sleep and undisrupted breathing offer multiple benefits, including:
- It prevents health complications, such as diabetes and heart disease
- It improves daytime energy and alertness
- Better mood and work performance
- Improved relationships
What are the costs associated with sleep apnea treatment in Spokane, WA?
Costs depend on the type of appliance, frequency of follow-up visits, and the severity of your diagnosis. A consultation with our dentist will provide a clearer estimate. We’ll also discuss payment plans to make your treatment affordable.
Will my insurance cover treatment for sleep apnea?
Your medical insurance may cover the cost of your sleep apnea treatment, including consultations and the actual treatment. Our team will review your coverage and advise on the benefits available.
Does sleep apnea affect children?
Yes! Sleep apnea doesn’t discriminate. It affects patients of all ages, including children. Symptoms of sleep apnea in children include restless sleep, bed-wetting, behavioral changes, loud snoring, and mouth breathing. Early intervention protects your child’s oral health and enhances their overall quality of life.
Does my local dentist in Spokane offer treatment for sleep apnea?
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, don’t delay treatment any longer. Call (509) 463-1770 and schedule your consultation with Stein Family Dentistry. We welcome new and returning patients from Spokane and the surrounding areas.
Are you ready for sleep apnea treatment?
Do you suspect you might be suffering from sleep apnea? If so, it's time to take action. Call (509) 463-1770 and schedule an appointment with Stein Family Dentistry in Spokane, WA. You can also reach us by scheduling a convenient online appointment.
