(972) 698-8000Mesquite Sleep Apnea & Snoring Therapy
Snoring may seem like a harmless annoyance, but it can signal a larger problem. Sleep apnea is a health-threatening disorder that causes breathing to become restricted during sleep. Snoring can be a symptom as you fight to breathe during the night, constantly being restless and frequently waking up. Sleep apnea is sometimes caused by problems with your airway becoming obstructed during sleep, causing you to literally stop breathing as you are unable to pull air into your lungs. Our doctor's sleep apnea and snoring therapy techniques can help alleviate this kind of problem. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to much greater health problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and it can even make diabetes worse. Our team of doctors have extensive training in sleep apnea and snoring therapy.
First, Dr. McKnight or Dr. Olga will determine if issues with your oral structures are the origin of your snoring or sleep apnea. If so, they'll will fit you for a custom oral appliance designed to create extra space in the oral cavity and throat area, allowing air to once again flow freely while you sleep. This only requires a simple impression and fabrication of the custom appliance.
If it is determined that your problems are severe enough to require a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) to be used, they can create a custom face mask to go with it that is half the size of the customary mask. It will fit so well that the machine will become completely silent. Everyone in the room will appreciate that! The amazing fit will also allow you to do away with the annoying straps that customarily are required to secure the mask around your head. If you have ever spoken to someone who uses a CPAP, they will tell you that the noise of the machine and feel of the mask make it very unpleasant. The custom mask solves all of these problems.
We have found many patients that either have a real issue with constantly being tired or actually have a sleep apnea problem that requires treatment for health reasons. What we have also found is that many of those same people don't know what to do about either one of these problems. Our team of doctors have advanced certification in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea and can help get these patients back to feeling rested and healthy.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Although loud snoring and daytime fatigue are the two most common symptoms of sleep apnea, they certainly aren’t the only indications of a more serious problem. Other signs may be more subtle but can have an equally disruptive impact on your quality of life. In fact, if you experience any of the following, sleep apnea could be the reason:
- High blood pressure.
- Irritability or moodiness.
- Feeling tired consistently, regardless of how long you’ve slept.
- Morning headaches.
- Sore throat or dry mouth in the morning.
- Difficulty focusing.
- Impaired memory.
- Loss of libido.
Talk to Dr. McKnight or Dr. Olga about your symptoms. If sleep apnea is behind your issues, then we can treat it and help you feel better.
So, if your spouse is kicking you in the middle of the night, or if you always find yourself waking up and wishing you had another hour or two to get some sleep, why not take the screening test below and see where you officially stand on the scale for having a sleep breathing problem.
If snoring is a problem, please contact our Mesquite dental office today to find out about our solutions. If sleep apnea turns out to be the cause, Dr. McKnight or Dr. Olga will discuss the various ways that it can be alleviated.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
While it may not seem obvious, your dentist plays a key role in treating sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dentists are experts in the upper respiratory area and can help manage airway blockages caused by tissues from the mouth and neck. In cases of OSA, these tissues can prevent healthy breathing during sleep.
Our team can create a custom oral appliance to reposition your lower jaw, keeping your airway open and improving breathing. Since you see us regularly, these visits offer a convenient opportunity to discuss sleep concerns and get evaluated for potential issues like sleep apnea. Addressing this with our dental team can lead to better sleep and overall health.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. While snoring can be a common symptom of the disorder, it doesn’t always indicate the condition. To determine if someone has sleep apnea, a sleep study or test is needed for a proper diagnosis. Approximately 20 million adults in the U.S. are affected, which is about 20% of the adult population. If you're concerned about your snoring or other sleep issues, it's important to consult a professional.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
No, you cannot diagnose sleep apnea on your own. Although certain symptoms like snoring or feeling tired during the day may suggest sleep apnea, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have it. It’s important to get an official diagnosis to determine if you have sleep apnea and which type, as this will guide the appropriate treatment.
While devices like Apple Watches and other technology can monitor your sleep patterns, they don’t provide a comprehensive diagnosis. A sleep test, conducted by a sleep doctor, is the only reliable way to confirm sleep apnea. If you suspect sleep apnea, be sure to consult a healthcare professional for proper testing.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
Losing weight can potentially help reduce or even eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, as being overweight is a major risk factor for the condition. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat, can cause tissues to block the airway during sleep. By shedding those extra pounds, you may reduce the tissue in the airway, improving breathing and reducing apnea episodes.
However, this doesn’t guarantee that sleep apnea will completely go away. Even after significant weight loss, some people may continue to experience symptoms and would need to undergo another sleep test to determine if the condition persists.