Sleep Apnea Therapy – Richardson, TX
A Dangerous Sleep Disorder
Sleep apnea is a condition wherein there are brief but frequent pauses in your breathing every night. This condition makes it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and it can have a devastating effect on your health. Dr. Stampe can narrow down the source of your sleep apnea at our Richardson, TX dental office and figure out the best solution for keeping your airway open at night so that you can breathe easy and sleep well. Contact us today to learn more how our team can help you rest easy.
Why Choose Richardson Sleep and Facial Pain Center at Cityline for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Effective CPAP Alternative
- Experienced Team
- Convenient Oral Appliance Treatment
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea in Richardson is a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night, which can occur dozens or hundreds of times in a single sleep session. These episodes disrupt the sleep cycle and make it impossible for people with this condition to get a full night of high-quality rest. It is estimated that about 30 million people in the U.S. have this sleep apnea.
There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. It is caused by tissues in the throat that overrelax while a person is asleep, causing airway blockages.
Common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Observed pauses in breathing
- Frequent morning headaches and sore throats
- Daytime exhaustion
- Mood swings and irritability
- Slowed reaction times
- Difficulty concentrating
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Although sleep apnea may seem like a mere annoyance, it is actually a dangerous condition that can negatively affect your daily life, your overall health, and your relationships with others. For example, it is associated with a heightened risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. It is often a contributing cause to premature death. Additionally, because it causes daytime fatigue, sleep apnea can also drastically increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The mood problems it is associated with may make it difficult to maintain friendly, peaceful relationships with friends and coworkers.
Dental Signs of Sleep Apnea
Compared to other medical professionals, dentists are in a very unique position when it comes to recognizing possible signs of a sleep disorder. Several symptoms might manifest in your mouth as a result of sleep apnea; a sleep dentist can look for these warning signs to determine whether or not you should have a sleep test performed. Below are some examples of symptoms your dentist might find that could mean you’re suffering from sleep apnea.
Acid Reflux
About 60 percent of people with sleep apnea also suffer from acid reflux disease. The link is not completely understood, but research suggests that both conditions can contribute to each other. Acid reflux occurs when the acids in your stomach lurch back up your throat; if they reach your mouth, they can get on your teeth and wear them down.
Dentists can identify patients that are likely suffering from acid reflux by checking the teeth near the back of the mouth; if they’re more worn down than they should be, it could be a telltale sign of acid attacks. It’s highly recommended that any patients that show signs of acid reflux be screened for sleep apnea.
Macroglossia
Macroglossia simply means that you have a tongue that’s much larger than normal compared to the rest of your mouth. An enlarged tongue can lead to many different kinds of problems such as speech impairment, abnormal growth of the jaw and teeth, and ulceration. But one of the most dangerous consequences of macroglossia is how it can contribute to sleep apnea.
An overly large tongue can block your airway while you’re asleep. This can either be a direct cause of sleep apnea or make your existing sleep apnea worse. During sleep apnea episodes, your body might try to clear the airway by forcing the tongue to lurch forward. This may cause indentations to form on the tongue, which can serve as a major clue for sleep apnea.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind or clench your teeth involuntarily. This normally happens at night when you don’t have much control over what your mouth is doing. If you don’t treat bruxism, it could gradually wear down your teeth and may even cause them to fracture at some point.
In some cases, bruxism is connected to sleep apnea. In fact, research shows that 33% to 54% of sleep apnea patients may also grind their teeth while asleep. The connection is not completely clear, but some think that it might have to do with the brief awakenings that occur during sleep apnea episodes. The nervous system is more active during these awakenings, which might cause the jaw to move.
Dentists are well-trained to recognize the warning signs of bruxism. If they find evidence that you’re grinding your teeth, that could point to a sleep disorder, especially if you’re already suffering from other sleep apnea symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
A CPAP machine is the most common treatment for OSA. However, many patients find it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, you may be a candidate for an alternative solution from a dentist in Richardson. Dr. Stampe can fit you with a custom oral appliance, a small device that gently moves the jaw forward in order to facilitate uninterrupted breathing. Oral sleep appliances are easy to travel with, are completely silent, are free of wires and hoses, and offer a number of other benefits. Most patients notice an improvement in the quality of their sleep almost immediately after they begin using their device.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Everyone’s case is unique, and so is the cost of their sleep apnea treatment. We won’t be able to tell you exactly how much you can expect to pay until you see us in person. At that time, we will discuss specific numbers with you and your different payment options. In the meantime, here are some things to take into account.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
No, dental insurance does not cover sleep apnea treatment. Instead, sleep apnea diagnosis and treatments are generally covered through medical insurance. To learn more about your coverage, you should reach out to your provider, or one of our team members can help you out. You could end up significantly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Several different factors contribute to the cost of your sleep apnea treatment. Here are the two most prominent ones:
- Type of Treatment: Different sleep apnea treatments come with different costs. We offer oral appliance therapy to reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. The investment for oral appliances is relatively affordable compared to CPAP machines and other options.
- Insurance Coverage: Depending on your medical insurance plan, more or less of your treatment may be covered. With proper preauthorization, medical insurance plans will typically say how much they plan to cover before you receive your device.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
Many patients wonder if it is worth going through the process of being diagnosed and treating sleep apnea. Whether or not you have insurance that will cover your care, you can be confident that treating your sleep apnea with benefit your health, therefore reducing long-term expenses.
Sleep apnea increases your risk of several different health conditions. This includes stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, weight gain, and more. These issues will eventually result in more costly medical bills. By addressing your sleep apnea now, you can avoid some pretty hefty bills later on. You can also experience an increase in your quality of life.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
If you don’t have medical insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We accept payments through CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. For more information, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our friendly team members.