Sleep Apnea Therapy – Big Pine Key, FL
Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Feel Better
Sleep apnea is a nighttime breathing disorder that afflicts countless millions of people. If it has been a while since you enjoyed restful, rejuvenating sleep, it is worth your time to seek medical assistance. If it turns out that you have sleep apnea, our Big Pine Key dental team is ready to help with convenient treatment that can allow you to breathe better, sleep better, and feel better! Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.
Why Choose Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Convenient Alternative to CPAP Therapy
- Knowledgeable & Friendly Dental Team
- Enjoy Improved Sleep & Improved Health
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder wherein a person experiences pauses in their breathing (or periods of reduced breathing) multiple times each night. These episodes disrupt the sleep cycle and can have a great negative effect on overall sleep quality and quantity.
There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common variety. It occurs when tissues in the upper airway collapse and block the free flow of oxygen. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain does not send proper breathing signals to the rest of the body. Mixed sleep apnea has characteristics of both OSA and CSA.
Loud snoring, daytime exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, slowed reaction times, morning headaches and sore throats, and mood swings are all potential symptoms of sleep apnea.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea might seem like it is not a big deal at first. However, without proper treatment, this disorder can have very serious consequences. For example, it is associated with a heightened risk of multiple health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and more.
Sleep apnea can also reduce your reaction times, which may drastically increase your risk of being involved in accidents while you are behind the wheel.
It is also worth noting that the exhaustion and emotional challenges that come with reduced sleep quality may adversely affect your relationships with your loved ones.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
CPAP therapy, which uses a machine to force pressurized air into a patient’s throat, is the most common way to address OSA. However, many people find their machine to be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and noisy.
Here at Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, we offer a popular alternative option. We can design a small custom oral appliance that resembles a mouthguard. It can slightly reposition your lower jaw, which can help to reduce obstructions and keep your airway open throughout the night. As a result, you will be much more likely to enjoy high-quality, uninterrupted sleep. Plus, your snoring may be greatly reduced, so your partner can enjoy improved sleep as well!
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The cost of sleep apnea treatment depends on a few factors. When you visit us for a consultation, our team can share some specific numbers with you. We will also be happy to help you understand your payment options. For example, we welcome insurance, and we can help you apply for low-interest financing. You can be confident that sleep apnea treatment is a smart investment that has the potential to reward you with improved health and a better quality of life.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dentists trained in sleep medicine understand the structure of the mouth and jaw, making them uniquely equipped to provide personalized care that improves your sleep, breathing, and quality of life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep dentist can help manage your condition using custom oral appliances. These devices gently reposition your jaw during sleep to keep your airway open. This is an effective alternative to bulky CPAP machines that many patients find too uncomfortable to wear consistently.
At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, we offer these non-invasive sleep apnea solutions because they’re effective, easy to wear, and convenient for travel.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but loud, frequent snoring is one of the most common signs. Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep. Snoring without apnea might be annoying, but snoring with apnea can increase your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and fatigue.
The only way to know for sure if you have this condition is through a proper sleep study with an expert. At our Big Pine Key dental office, we can help assess your risk and work with your chosen sleep specialists to get you the care you need.
Can My Dentist Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
While dentists can’t formally diagnose sleep apnea, a sleep dentist can have a big role to play in the screening process. For example, we can look for signs during your routine dental exams, like worn teeth, enlarged tissues, or reports of chronic snoring.
If sleep apnea is suspected, we’ll refer you to a sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis through a sleep study. Once diagnosed, we can go through with your treatment and help manage your condition. This kind of collaboration is important to ensure the best outcome for your treatment and your health.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
Many patients start to feel better within just a few days or weeks of beginning treatment. With an oral appliance from our Big Pine Key practice, improvements like better sleep, reduced snoring, and increased daytime energy often happen quickly.
However, the timeline can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how consistently you use the device. At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, we’re happy to keep working with you through follow-up visits to ensure your appliance is working properly. We’re here to help you breathe—and live—better.