If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, getting a full night’s rest can be next to impossible. The disorder can frequently disrupt your sleep due to interruptions in your breathing, and this can take a severe toll on your health and quality of life in the long run. The good news is that once your sleep apnea has been diagnosed, our dentists at Weldon Dental of Rome can help you get it under control with a personalized oral appliance. Give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about how we handle sleep apnea treatment in Rome.
Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder that millions of adults in the United States currently suffer from. It is characterized by pauses in your breathing that can occur anywhere from 5 to 30 times an hour while you’re asleep. The most common form of sleep apnea – known as obstructive sleep apnea – occurs when the muscles in the throat collapse and block the airway.
Because each interruption in your breathing can force you out of the sleep cycle, sleep apnea can leave you feeling exhausted during the day. Other symptoms include loud snoring, morning headaches, memory problems, and irritability.
There are several reasons why ignoring sleep apnea isn’t a good idea. For one thing, the excessive sleepiness that the disorder causes can significantly increase your chances of getting into an accident while driving. Furthermore, it can have a negative impact on your ability to concentrate, which can ultimately hurt your performance at work.
It’s also important to note that sleep apnea can put you at a higher risk for a number of serious health conditions. In particular, people with sleep apnea tend to be significantly more likely to suffer from life-threatening heart attacks.
Obstructive sleep apnea is traditionally treated with a CPAP machine, which is a device that delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through a special mask placed over the nose; this keeps the airway unobstructed throughout the night, thus making breathing interruptions less likely to occur. However, many people with CPAP machines stop using them after a while due to finding them too noisy or uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for an alternative to CPAP, it may be worth asking our team for a customized oral appliance. This device can reposition your lower jaw and tongue, which can go a long way toward keeping the airway open while you sleep. Not only is an oral appliance more comfortable than a CPAP machine, but it’s also much less bulky and significantly easier to travel with.
Not every patient will end up paying the exact same amount for sleep apnea treatment. There are a few different factors that can potentially have an impact on the overall cost, and it’s important to be aware of them before you make any commitments. When you visit our office to discuss sleep apnea treatment, we will make sure that you have an accurate idea of what the cost will look like as well as what your payment options are.
Sleep apnea is not specifically a dental problem; it is classified as a medical issue. For this reason, sleep apnea treatment typically falls under medical insurance rather than dental insurance. If you reach out to your insurance carrier, they can give you a detailed explanation of what coverage is available for sleep apnea treatment under your current plan.
First of all, you can only have sleep apnea treatment performed once your sleep-disordered breathing has been diagnosed by an expert. As such, you will need to undergo a sleep study, which comes with a separate cost that you will need to fit into your budget.
Furthermore, the type of sleep apnea treatment makes a difference. A personalized oral appliance does not have the same price tag as a CPAP machine. In general, an oral appliance costs more upfront, but it can be the better choice for your wallet in the long run since it doesn’t require any replacement parts.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can leave you feeling drowsy during the day. Consequently, you may be more likely to get into an accident while driving, which can result in costly vehicle repair and medical expenses. Furthermore, sleep apnea can increase your risk for heart problems and other health issues that can be expensive to address. In short, treating sleep apnea now could help you avoid larger problems in the future, which is good news for your bank account as well as your overall quality of life.
If you’re concerned about your ability to pay the cost of sleep apnea treatment, you may want to think about applying for financing. Our practice is proud to work with CareCredit and Cherry; these third-party financing companies offer a number of payment plans that come with little to no interest. Breaking up the cost of your sleep apnea treatment into smaller, easier-to-manage installments can make paying for your care much less stressful. To learn more about how financing works at our practice, feel free to reach out to our team.
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 undergo 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.
The short answer 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 possibility that you could continue to have sleep apnea after reaching a healthy weight. You will need to complete another sleep test to figure out if you still have the condition. Other factors, such as the shape of your airway, genetics, age, and muscle tone, can also contribute to sleep apnea. Because of this, weight loss may improve symptoms significantly, but it does not always eliminate the condition completely.
It is important that you keep your oral appliance clean to reduce your likelihood of developing 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 cleansers can also be used to keep your oral appliance clean and fresh. Proper cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and odors that can develop over time. Following these simple care instructions can help extend the life of your appliance and ensure that it remains comfortable to wear. Regular maintenance is an important part of protecting both your oral health and the effectiveness of your treatment.
CPAP therapy works by physically forcing air through the airway with a mask that is worn during sleep. 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. We use customized or appliances to push your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
