Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is more than just loud or heavy snoring. Sleep apnea refers to the involuntary, repetitive interruption of breathing during sleep.
When these interruptions occur, you may struggle to breathe or stop breathing for up to a full minute. During these periods, you will shift into a lighter stage of sleep to regain your breath, significantly disrupting a full night's rest.
Types of Sleep Apnea
The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue, soft palate, or throat tissues relax and block your airways while you sleep.
In addition to OSA, people may also suffer from central sleep apnea (CSA). Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain cannot control the muscles responsible for normal respiration during sleep.
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea factors. The form of sleep apnea is also known as mixed sleep apnea or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Are You at Risk? Request a Consultation
It can be difficult to know if your daytime sleepiness, mood changes, and other physical and mental symptoms are caused by sleep apnea. Don't risk letting this serious sleep condition go undiagnosed. Come into our Austin, TX, dental office to discuss your symptoms with our highly trained dentist and find a treatment that helps you achieve much-needed sleep. Call our practice to request a consultation and learn more about the diagnosis process:
(512) 444-4746
If You Suffer From Sleep Apnea You're Not Alone
What Are the Symptoms of OSA?
Patients with OSA will experience shallow or halted breathing throughout the night but are typically unaware of these effects. Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Restless sleep (insomnia)
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Headaches in the morning
In addition, there are several oral health symptoms you may want to take note of:
- Eroded enamel
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Sore throat when you wake
- Dry mouth
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Scalloped or large tongue
When these symptoms persist for long periods, they can significantly interfere with various aspects of your life.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea Why Treatment Is Important
/
People suffering from sleep apnea face an increased risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Cancer
Have You Noticed Sleep Apnea Symptoms? Contact Dr. Ip to Learn About Treatment
Snoring, daytime fatigue, and the associated health risks of sleep apnea can negatively impact your quality of life. The negative effects of sleep apnea can even affect your life expectancy. If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, it is essential to bring it to our attention so that you can receive the treatment you need.
Dr. Ip can review your symptoms and determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you. His mini-residency training gives him a unique insight into the causes of obstructive sleep apnea and how those can be addressed. Dr. Ip can work with your physician or a sleep specialist to help ensure you get a full night's rest.
If you live in Austin, TX, and want to learn more about this sleep disorder, contact our practice online. You can also reach Smile 360 by phone.
Call Our Office in Austin
(512) 444-4746
Patient-Centered Treatment You Can Count On We Care About the People of Austin, TX
Morgan Donnelly
July, 2023
I normally wouldn't think of the dentist as a family-like atmosphere, but that's what it feels like here! I've been coming here for a couple years and during each visit, every part of it goes smoothly.
View on Google
Michael Costa
2023
My search for a dentist is finally over! The office staff, my dental hygienist, and Dr. Ip were all amazing. They were friendly and knowledgeable.
View on Google
Professional Sleep Study: Diagnosing Your Sleep Disorder
What Is a Sleep Study?
To properly identify the characteristics of your sleep disorder, a sleep study should be conducted before any treatment is prescribed. Typically, a sleep study is conducted in either a lab or through a home test. We'll discuss which may best suit your situation during your visit to our Austin, TX, practice.
What Happens During a Sleep Study?
During the sleep study, you will be monitored using wires and sensors placed on the body for about seven hours of sleep. As you rest, crucial data will be compiled with information on your oxygen levels and other vitals.
What Happens After the Study?
This detailed analysis of your snoring and sleep patterns will provide insight into whether you suffer from sleep apnea, what type of sleep apnea you have, and the severity of your condition. Based on your needs, Dr. Ip can recommend the best treatment method for you.
Take the First Step to a Good Night's Sleep Contact Smile 360 for More Information
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you have an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health problems. It's important that you meet with Dr. Ip to discuss your options for treatment. You may be able to experience relief from sleep apnea without a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. To learn more about treating obstructive sleep apnea, contact our practice online. You can also call Dr. Ip in Austin, TX, to schedule your visit.
Call Our Office in Austin
(512) 444-4746
You Can Rest Easy at Smile 360 Prioritizing the People of Austin, TX, and Their Health
Mike Lewis
2023
Love Smile360! Dr. Ip & staff are the best in town. Maybe the whole planet.
View on Google
Sarah Cantu
2023
I’ve always had great experiences here. The team at Smile 360 is super responsive and kind.
View on GoogleIf you suffer from mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you may be able to have a good night's sleep thanks to a simple device that you wear during the night.
What About CPAP Machines?
Are They Better Than Oral Appliances?
A CPAP machine refers to a popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. The device consists of a base unit and a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth. The CPAP machine pushes air through the mask and promotes continuous positive airway pressure while a patient sleeps.
Oral appliances can treat obstructive sleep apnea effectively without full reliance on a CPAP machine. We can go over your treatment options during the consultation process at our office in Austin, TX.
Additional Options for Sleep Apnea Patients
What If the Appliance Doesn't Work?
Oral appliance therapy is a conservative approach to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. While it's effective for many patients, it may achieve only limited relief for people with severe blockage of their airways.
If this is the case, the team at our Austin, TX, dental practice wants to know. You may need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) or a sleep physician, or seek dual treatment with both kinds of medical professionals.
Help Is Available
A professional evaluation by our team and other Texas sleep medicine specialists can help get a better picture of your sleep apnea. From this multidisciplinary assessment, we can develop a custom treatment plan that helps relieve snoring and improves your ability to breathe throughout the night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Can I treat sleep apnea with lifestyle changes?
Lifestyle changes can improve many symptoms of sleep apnea. Limiting your alcohol consumption, making smart food choices, and exercising regularly can help you naturally sleep better. However, Dr. Ip may recommend you use an oral appliance or other treatment to aid you in this process.
If apneas only happen when I am asleep, how do I find out if I have sleep apnea?
If you sleep alone, it can be more difficult to know if you have sleep apnea or another condition causing your mental and physical symptoms. Common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include waking up with a sore or dry throat and occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation. Be cognizant of these symptoms and bring them to Dr. Ip to discuss and find out more about whether you have OSA. A sleep study may be recommended to confirm your diagnosis.
Why should I go to the dentist for sleep apnea treatment?
The dentist's office is a great place to start when seeking out sleep apnea treatment, especially when you see a dentist who specialized in sleep medicine, like Dr. Ip. Sleep apnea will often cause dental problems, such as eroded enamel and chipped teeth, alongside other mental and physical symptoms. If we find these, Dr. Ip will then recommend a sleep study and further testing if needed. Our dentist also has the ability to craft custom-fitted oral appliances and offer treatment with the Vivos airway health system.
Will sleep apnea treatment help me stop snoring?
Yes, if your snoring is caused by sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the flow of air through your throat is blocked by the soft tissues, which leads to the vibrating sound you hear. Using a simple oral device can help widen the air passage and reduce snoring quite effectively.
What health conditions are associated with sleep apnea?
According to the American Heart Association, adults with sleep apnea have a higher chance of experiencing health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other related conditions.
Providing Solutions That Promote Wellness Helping Austin, TX, Feel Fully Refreshed
Maura Riley
2023
Absolutely love the team at Smile360. I truly feel valued there and know I am in good hands with Dr. Ip and the crew. THANK YOU for taking care of my teeth the last two years :)
View on Google
Grigor Kezele
2023
This place doesn't just have top of the line equipment; it's greatest asset are it's employees. They go out of their way to provide excellent service, gentle calming approach and high professionalism. In every way they will work with you to get the best care possible.
View on Google
