Sleep Apnea – DuPont, WA

Enjoy the Quality Rest You Deserve with Sleep Apnea Therapy

Tired woman in need of sleep apnea treatment

If you have been diagnosed with chronic snoring and/or sleep apnea, turn to DuPont Family Dentistry for the effective therapy you need to achieve a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Our doctors can provide a customized oral appliance for patients who cannot use a traditional CPAP machine. Please contact our dental office location today to schedule a visit to explore options for treating sleep apnea in DuPont, WA.

Why Choose DuPont Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea?

  • Comfortable Alternative to CPAP
  • Highly Trained Dental Team
  • Early and Late Appointments

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea test reports

Oral appliance therapy can be used to treat OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) which occurs when the airway becomes obstructed as patients rest. This dramatic reduction in oxygen forces the brain to awaken the person so that they can readjust and restore healthy breathing. While these instances are likely to only last for seconds at a time, they can occur several times each night. As a result, patients are unable to achieve the deep sleep they need to feel fully rested and ready for the day ahead. Common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include constant exhaustion, excessively loud snoring, painful morning headaches, and dry/sore throat.

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom-made oral appliance may work wonders when it comes to improving the quality of your sleep. While CPAP treatment is noisy and uncomfortable, these devices are simple to use, comfortable to wear and easy to transport. When inside the mouth, they reposition the jaw and/or tongue so that airway blockage is effectively prevented.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Frustrated woman in bed next to snoring man

It is not always easy to identify sleep apnea, especially if you do not have someone who can alert you to possible snoring or ceased breathing throughout the night. The good news is that there are other ways to tell if sleep apnea may be what you are experiencing. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Chronic snoring
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Difficulty trying to concentrate
  • Depression
  • Irritability

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Man placing sleep apnea treatment device

There are a multitude of treatment options available when it comes to sleep apnea; however, more and more dentists are turning to oral appliance therapy. Why? The reason is that these small, compact devices make it possible for patients to achieve a more comfortable, restful night’s sleep without having to maneuver large equipment.

Oral appliances move the jaw slightly forward, allowing the airway to remain open throughout the night while asleep. Not only is it easy to use, but it is easy to travel with should you find yourself preparing for an overnight trip.

Depending on your individual case, oral appliance therapy may or may not be the right choice for you. After reviewing your diagnosis and determining the severity of your sleep apnea, traditional CPAP therapy or various lifestyle changes (i.e., a change in eating habits, incorporating exercise, quit smoking and/or drinking) might be recommended.

Cost of Sleep Apnea Therapy

CPAP face mask and oral appliance for sleep apnea therapy

When it comes to paying for your sleep apnea therapy, it will be filed under medical insurance, not dental. The reason is that oral appliances, although a dental device, are technically considered a medical treatment option, designed to treat a medical issue. In order to find out how much you will be expected to pay, if any, for your therapy, you will need to contact your medical insurance company.