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Sleep Apnea Treatment – Baytown, TX
Get the Comfortable, Quality Sleep You Deserve
Why Choose Baytown Gentle Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Convenient, Private At-Home Sleep Apnea Testing
- Comfortable, Custom-Fit Oral Appliances
- Experienced, Caring Dentist
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder which causes the patient to repeatedly stop and restart breathing throughout the night. It is often accompanied by snoring or gasping and choking for air, as well as frequently waking throughout the night. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause among other things restless sleep, chronic snoring, daytime fatigue, mood swings, slowed reaction time, decreased cognitive abilities, forgetfulness, morning headaches, sore throats, and an increased risk of depression.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a blockage to the airway. This can occur due to age, weight, genetic predisposition, and even excessive tongue thickness and larger neck circumference.
The other two types of sleep apnea are central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not receive the signal to breathe during sleep, and mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of both central and obstructive sleep apneas.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
In addition to the uncomfortable day-to-day negative symptoms of sleep apnea, failure to treat this disorder can increase your risk of a variety of other dangerous conditions, including diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. If you already have one of these conditions, it can worsen the effects and symptoms. In severe cases, it may also contribute to sudden death.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
When most people think of sleep apnea treatments, they naturally think of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. This traditional method uses an electric powered device that forces air into your airway to prop it open so you can breathe while you sleep. It’s a good idea in theory, but unfortunately many patients are not compliant with treatment because they find the forced air uncomfortable and the required mask awkward.
At Baytown Gentle Dental, we are pleased to offer a safe, effective alternative to CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy. These discreet, comfortable devices are custom designed to fit your individual mouth and are generally considered far more comfortable than CPAP, and thereby much more likely to be used.
To get started with sleep apnea treatment, you’ll first need to undergo a sleep test. If you have not had one from a sleep doctor, we can happily set you up with the equipment to take a home-based test in the comfort and convenience of your own bed. Once we get your results, your sleep dentist can discuss your treatment options, and help you finally get the comfortable, high-quality rest you deserve!
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
No, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. However, loud snoring is one of the most common and notable symptoms of sleep apnea. If you or your sleeping partner notice that you have been snoring, this is a good reason to see a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. To determine if sleep apnea is the reason for your snoring, you will need to complete a sleep study. If you receive a positive diagnosis, steps can be taken to help you get the quality sleep you need to thrive during the day.
Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make CPAP Therapy Unnecessary?
CPAP therapy works by physically forcing air through the airway with a mask worn at night. Only about half of people who are prescribed CPAP therapy actually use it as directed. This is often because patients find it uncomfortable and impractical. In some cases, an oral appliance can replace CPAP therapy. In severe cases of sleep apnea, a combination could be needed. At Baytown Gentle Dental, we use custom oral appliances to push your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
The short answer to this question is: maybe. Being overweight is a major risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight and tissue can block the airway, so losing this weight can reduce this harmful tissue. However, there is a possibility that you could continue to have sleep apnea after reaching a healthy weight. You would need to complete another sleep test to figure out if you still have the condition.
How Do I Clean My Oral Appliance?
It is important that you keep your oral appliance clean to reduce your likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and other infections. You should gently brush and rinse your oral appliance every morning. When you aren’t wearing it, keep it in its case. Specialized denture cleanser can also be used to keep your oral appliance clean and fresh.
