Are your days filled with constant exhaustion and you just can’t seem to get enough sleep? Has a bed partner complained about your constant, loud snoring? If so, these are both major signs that you might be suffering from sleep apnea. At 333 Dental Care, Dr. Lively can help patients overcome this serious condition with the help of a custom-made oral appliance. This simple but effective solution could be all you need to start feeling like yourself again.
Sleep Apnea Therapy – Mangum, OK
Wake Up Feeling Great Again
Why Choose Us for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Custom-made sleep appliances
- Able to stop snoring the very first night
- Proven alternative to CPAP therapy
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where a person frequently and temporarily stops breathing while they sleep. In some individuals, these pauses in breathing (called apneas) originate in the brain; in these cases, the condition is known as central sleep apnea. For most sleep apnea sufferers, however, the breathing disruptions occur because the tissues in their mouth and throat are blocking their airway. This type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Right now, OSA is the second most common sleep disorder in the world, but its numbers are growing rapidly each year.
OSA is nothing to take lightly. Left untreated, it can lead to devastating consequences. Because it robs you of necessary, rejuvenating sleep, you may be exhausted on a daily basis. Your work performance could suffer, and you may not be able to drive as safely as you otherwise would. Over the long term, OSA can even lead to or worsen serious medical conditions, including diabetes, excess body weight, cardiovascular problems, and dementia.
If you ever suspect that you have sleep apnea, you can take a simple online quiz to find out if your symptoms indicate the possibility that you are suffering from this disorder. If it seems that you may have OSA, your next step will be to undergo a sleep study so you can receive an official diagnosis.
Click here to take our sleep apnea quizSymptoms of Sleep Apnea
Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Persistent, loud snoring
- Noticeable pauses in breathing
- Restless sleep
- Insomnia
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Waking up with a sore throat or headache
- Waking up gasping for air
- Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction
- Excessive daytime exhaustion
- Unexplained mood changes, especially irritability and depression
If you notice the above symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, seeking diagnosis and treatment is vital. Also, keep in mind that although certain risk factors (such as obesity) increase the likelihood of OSA, anyone can suffer from this condition, regardless of their age, weight, or gender.
Learn More About Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
How We Can Help
A CPAP machine, which gently forces air into a patient’s airway at night, is the most common treatment for OSA. However, many individuals are candidates for a simpler solution. For a patient dealing with sleep apnea, Dr. Lively can design an oral appliance for them to wear to bed, which will somewhat resemble a sports mouthguard. It slightly shifts the lower jaw forward, which will prevent the airway from becoming obstructed during the night. As a result, a patient will be able to breathe normally, get the uninterrupted rest they need, and not feel exhausted the next day. Plus, this kind of appliance can even be used to help someone stop snoring as well.
Oral sleep appliances are always custom-designed by Dr. Lively based on an impression of a patient’s bite in order to ensure both a comfortable fit and an effective treatment process.
A custom oral appliance offers a number of advantages over a CPAP machine:
- An oral appliance is very small, making it easy to travel with.
- An oral appliance doesn’t require you to mess with a big mask or lots of tubes and wiring.
- An oral appliance is completely silent — no machine noises to keep you awake at night!
- Many patients find that an oral appliance is much more comfortable than a CPAP mask.
Learn More About Oral Appliance Therapy
A Note to CPAP Users
Many people who are interested in oral appliance therapy are already having their sleep apnea treated with a CPAP machine, and due to either discomfort or ineffectiveness, they would like to try another treatment option. Dr. Lively would recommend that patients in this situation consult their sleep doctor to determine whether or not oral appliance therapy is a viable option for them. If it is, Dr. Lively can coordinate with the doctor to get a patient their appliance. However bear in mind that oral appliance therapy is NOT necessarily good for every patient.
Does Insurance Cover Sleep Apnea Therapy?
Dental insurance does not typically cover sleep apnea therapy. However, your medical insurance will likely help to mitigate the cost of your custom oral appliance. Our team will be happy to help you figure out your benefits and use them to achieve a better night’s rest!
How to Get Started
Whether you think you might have sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed, Dr. Lively can help you. All you need to do is schedule a consultation. He’ll give you a brief exam, discuss your treatment options, and if needed, he can help you undergo a sleep study as well.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Sleep apnea in Mangum, OK, is a serious condition, and if you suspect that you have it, you should seek diagnosis and treatment right away. Before you contact us to schedule your consultation, however, you may want to know more about OSA and your potential treatment options. To assist you, we have put together the following list of FAQs. If you don’t see the information you were hoping for, give us a call so we can personally help to satisfy your curiosity.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed via a sleep study, also known as a sleep test. The test usually takes place in a clinic, but some patients are eligible for at-home testing. During the study, you will be connected to sensors that will monitor your breathing and other vital statistics. Afterward, an expert will review the results of the test to determine whether you have sleep apnea, and if you do, how severe the condition is.
A sleep test can feel a little strange, but it is a noninvasive and necessary diagnostic procedure that can get you on the road to better health.
Who Is Most At-Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Anyone can develop obstructive sleep apnea. Some major risk factors for it are:
- Obesity
- Older age
- Anatomical irregularities in the mouth and throat, such as enlarged adenoids or a misaligned bite
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Smoking
If you are experiencing OSA symptoms, it is worth your time to talk to a professional about your concerns, even if you believe that you do not have any common risk factors.
Does Snoring Always Indicate Sleep Apnea?
No. Snoring is simply that sound that occurs when air causes tissues in the throat to vibrate. It happens occasionally to most people. For example, it is likely to occur when you have a cold, are suffering from nasal allergies, or go to bed extra-tired. That type of snoring is usually nothing to be concerned about.
Loud, frequent snoring, on the other hand, is much more likely to indicate sleep apnea, especially if it is accompanied by noticeable pauses in breathing.
On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that not all people with OSA snore loudly. Even if you sleep quietly, it is still possible that you have this condition and require professional care.
Are There Any Possible Side Effects with Oral Appliance Therapy?
Most people tolerate oral appliance therapy very well. However, there is an adjustment period during which you might experience some side effects. For example, some people find that they unintentionally spit their device out during sleep. Others find that their device makes their facial muscles sore. In general, though, oral appliances are easier to adapt to than CPAP machines.
After a few weeks, if you have any serious struggles with your treatment, get in touch with our team. We will do everything we can to address the issue and help you enjoy restful nights.