Treatment for Sleep Disordered Breathing in Buckhead
Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Did you know that snoring could be an indication of sleep apnea—a serious condition that affects your overall health and day-to-day function?
The reality is, snoring is not the problem in sleep apnea. It is what follows your snoring, which is a pause in your breathing. Sleep apnea is a medical condition where breathing is disrupted for several seconds or sometimes for as long as over a minute, hundreds of times a night.
Sleep apnea is also found to trigger other severe health conditions including:
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Sleep apnea also affects your emotional state and can cause anxieties and depression. Clearly, it is a health condition that needs to be taken seriously.
Whether your bed partner has been expressing concern about your loud snoring or you have been experiencing other symptoms such as dry mouth and throat upon waking up or excessive sleepiness throughout the day, seek help from our experienced Buckhead dentist at Premier Dental Care of Buckhead.
Call us today at (404) 491-7711 for an initial consultation and learn more about sleep apnea treatments in Buckhead.
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea: Our Comprehensive Approach
Sleep apnea needs to be properly diagnosed by a physician, but Dr. Brown and Dr. Collett can help determine if you might have sleep apnea and relieve some of its symptoms. We start with a questionnaire and medical history. We’ll then have you take home a small “ Home Sleep Testing Unit” that clips on your nightshirt. This unit is simple and uses advanced electronics to test and monitor your oxygen levels, snoring, airway, and if you grind your teeth or not. It will show if there is a problem with sleep apnea and if bruxism is related to it. It will also quantify each to determine their level of severity. This is helpful to both Dr. Brown and Dr. Collett to help diagnose your condition and is a very inexpensive test compared to the old type of sleep tests provided with overnight stays at sleep centers.
Innovative Sleep Monitoring with STATDDS for Better Sleep
Did you know that dentists can help manage your grinding, snoring and sleep apnea? Available today! The first home testing device of its kind that accurately measures teeth grinding, snoring, and sleep apnea. Set up is easy so that an accurate reading is received from the comfort of your own home.
Advantages of the Home Sleep Monitor:
- Testing in your own comfortable bed
- No need to spend the night in a sleep lab
- Tests for teeth grinding, snoring, and sleep apnea all at the same time
- Your dentist can have the results the next day and begin your treatment to make you sleep great, feel great, and look great!
StatDDS Bruxism Monitor and Home Sleep Test Placement Demonstration from AAFE
VIDEO: StatDDS Bruxism Monitor and Home Sleep Test Placement Demonstration
If you suffer from being tired, lack of energy, daily discomfort, snoring, impotence and other conditions due to lack of a good night's sleep, you owe it to yourself to take this simple test! Get tested today! With proper treatment, you can get a great night's sleep and a huge boost in your mental and physical energy.
Available Treatment for Sleep Apnea
We can fit you for a custom oral appliance, which helps keep your airways open during sleep. We’ll continue to test oxygen levels to determine whether the appliance has helped. If your oxygen levels improve, then the appliance may be all you need. If not, we can then refer you for further options.
If you currently wear a CPAP at night and are not satisfied with it, please talk to us about a more comfortable alternative. If your apnea is severe then CPAP may be the best treatment, but for many with mild to moderate sleep apnea a comfortable oral appliance can work well as an acceptable alternative. These appliances can also be used to treat snoring and bruxism (tooth grinding) as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lifestyle changes help improve my sleep apnea?
Yes, for some individuals, especially those with mild sleep apnea, lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side instead of your back can all help reduce sleep apnea symptoms. However, these changes may not be sufficient for more severe cases.
How often will I need to see the dentist for follow-up appointments after getting an oral appliance?
Initially, follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the appliance is comfortable and effective. You might have a few visits within the first few weeks or months for adjustments. After that, annual check-ups are typically recommended to monitor the appliance's fit and your overall sleep health.
Is oral appliance therapy painful or uncomfortable?
Most patients find oral appliances to be quite comfortable once they adjust to wearing them. There might be some initial soreness in your teeth or jaw, but this usually subsides quickly. The appliances are designed to be custom-fit to your mouth to minimize discomfort.
Dr. Brown and Dr. Collett are standing by to answer any of your questions about our sleep apnea treatments in Buckhead. Call now at (404) 491-7711 to schedule an appointment.
