Sleep Apnea
Could Sleep Apnea be Holding you Back
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by shallow breathing and/or pauses in breathing while sleeping. According to an estimate by the American Sleep Apnea Association, some 22 million Americans suffer from the disorder. If left untreated, sleep apnea could lead to a variety of more serious issues, such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation otherwise known as a quivering or irregular heartbeat, stroke, chronic heart failure and other cardiovascular problems.
Patient Education Videos
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Description: This video provides an overview of obstructive sleep apnea and the serious and dangerous complications to your overall health that can result if it is left untreated.
Sleep Appliance
Description: This video shows you how a mandibular advancement device, or sleep appliance, is used in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
What Does Your Dentist Know About Sleep Apnea?
Interestingly, dentists are often the first to identify possible sleep disorders because common warning signs are often related to the mouth, nose and throat. Teeth grinding, redness in the throat, a small jaw and even having a tongue with scalloped edges are all signs of possible sleep disorders like sleep apnea. If your dentist spots a warning sign of sleep apnea, he or she may recommend that you participate in a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, which provides the wearer with pressurized air that prevents their airway from collapsing. CPAPs are typically prescribed and used under the guidance of a primary care physician.
However, not all sleep apnea is considered equal. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is related to the position of the tongue and/or jaw during sleep, an oral appliance may be a better first-line treatment option.
Similar to athletic mouth guards and orthodontic appliances, oral appliances for sleep apnea treatment are worn in the mouth while you sleep to help hold your lower jaw slightly forward and prevent the tongue and muscles in the upper airway from collapsing, keeping your airways open as you sleep.
Treating Sleep Apnea with Dental Depot
Many Dental Depot DFW dentists are OSA (Obstructive Sleep Airway) certified. This means that we are skilled at detecting possible sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, but also to fit patients with oral appliances, as well as monitor treatment.
Oral appliances for treating sleep apnea are custom made to fit your unique body. And while they usually take a few days to adjust to wearing at night while sleeping, your Dental Depot DFW dentist will work with you to make sure that your device fits properly and works to improve your symptoms, keeping you safer while you sleep.
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea (or have a family member who snores excessively), contact your Dental Depot office and let us conduct an initial exam and help you get on the road to better sleep, improved health and greater energy.
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Consistently great experience. Dr. Chen and theothe staff are just amazing. I have seen my fair share of dental offices and this one by far exceeds expectations... And the kids love to go here, That's really the highest praise.
Katrin P.5/27/2020 -
I love the staff here; especially Staci! She’s very attentive, professional, and caring!
I always leave here with a smile and don’t feel nervous getting my teeth cleaned. Keep up the amazing work! Jamil W.5/12/2020 -
I had wonderful experience when i visited for deep cleaning. The Hygienist Miss Richanna was very professional, gentle and listens patiently to all your concerns. I had bad experience earlier with other dental office and when i shared that and raised my concerns, she remembered them and made sure that i wont face those issues when she is operating on me. I am happy to say that from now on Dental Depot is home for all my dental needs.
Balasuresh K.3/22/2020 -
I was so pleased with the kind and friendly greeting when I walked in. The entire staff so excited to have me there and treated me with respect. They all took very good care of my dental needs. Perfect in every way of dental care. Very impressed with just how clean the place is. I loved the trains, and the pictures on the wall, very comfortable atmosphere. So happy to find a new dentist home.
Judy F.3/22/2020 -
At 29, you would think the fear of going to the dentist would have worn off... unfortunately I never grew out of that. Until I started going to Dental Depot of the Colony I sporadically, at best, went for my check ups for dislike of being there. While Im still not fond of the dentist chair, I absolutely love this office and feel safe and secure in Dr. Chen’s hands. Him and his staff always work to make sure that I feel comfortable and receive the best possible service. I highly recommend.
Jill W.3/02/2020
