Sleep Apnea Treatment in Denton, TX

Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights

A well rested man

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. If you're in Denton, TX, and suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's crucial to seek professional help. At Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentist in Denton, Dr. Patrick Ruehle, can help you get a diagnosis and the treatment you need to ease your sleep apnea symptoms. If you believe you’re suffering from sleep apnea, call our Denton office at 940-566-4888 to schedule your consultation.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last for a few seconds to a minute and may occur multiple times per hour.

There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome (a combination of both). OSA, the most common form, occurs when the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway.

OSA: The Most Common Type of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is fairly common, but it’s underdiagnosed because it can be overlooked. OSA disrupts your ability to sleep soundly throughout the night. When your throat muscles relax, they can block your airway and cut off your supply of oxygen. To resume normal breathing, your body will wake you up briefly. Though some people wake up hundreds of times a night, they often don’t remember it.

That’s why OSA is referred to as a ‘silent killer.’ Undetected and untreated OSA can lead to heart attacks, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more. Treatment for sleep apnea can elongate your life and give you more energy every day.

The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Identifying the symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Common signs include:

  • Loud and/or persistent snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Gasping for breath during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat
  • Morning headaches
  • Mood changes
  • Trouble concentrating throughout the day
  • High blood pressure

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you may want to get a sleep test done. A sleep test is conducted by a physician in a sleep clinic or through an at-home test and it’ll monitor the quality as well as quantity of sleep you’re getting.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

There are several causes of sleep apnea and there’s often more than one contributing factor to the development of sleep apnea. It’s important to remember sleep apnea can affect people of all ages and body types, though being older and overweight increases your chances.

Other risk factors for OSA include having a thick neck, being male, smoking, and family history. If there are any lifestyle changes you can make to help alleviate your OSA alongside treatment, our Denton dentist will provide guidance.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

There are effective treatments available for sleep apnea. In Denton, TX, several options can help manage this condition and improve your quality of life. We may suggest a combination of the most effective ones.

CPAP

Continuous-positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are the most prevalent treatment option for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep. This helps prevent apneas and ensures a continuous flow of oxygen.

While CPAP can be highly effective, it’s generally disliked due to being constrictive and bulky. Many people stop using a CPAP after only one year, putting their health at risk rather than using the machine.

Oral Appliance Treatment

Oral Appliance mouth piece

An oral appliance is a custom-made, portable mouthpiece designed to fit comfortably within your mouth, similar to a protective mouthguard. This device is tailored to your specific mouth structure, ensuring both comfort and discretion.

While you sleep, it works by gently adjusting your jaw position, thereby opening your airway. This repositioning of the jaw helps to reduce the likelihood of apneas, making oral appliances an effective alternative to CPAP therapy in most cases.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle modifications can complement professional treatment for sleep apnea. These may include:

  • Losing Weight — Excess weight is one of the most common reasons for developing sleep apnea. Gaining weight often causes your neck to become thicker and constrict your airway.
  • Avoid Tobacco or Alcohol Use — Alcohol can relax your throat muscles and may worsen the effects of sleep apnea. Smoking can irritate your airway and lead to complications.
  • Positional Therapy — Learning to sleep on your side may help your sleep apnea be less severe. People who sleep on their backs are more likely to have difficulty breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sleep apnea a serious condition?

Yes, sleep apnea is a serious condition if left untreated. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and daytime fatigue. If you believe you’re suffering from sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with your sleep dentist or physician.

Are sleep apnea machines noisy?

CPAP machines can be noisy. Though they’re much less noisy than they used to be, some people still have difficulty sleeping while a CPAP machine is running. This is one of the reasons some people stop using them.

If the noise of a CPAP machine bothers you, an oral appliance can treat your sleep apnea silently. Oral appliances are simply mouthpieces designed to keep your airway open, so they don’t make any noise.

Can sleep apnea be cured?

Sleep apnea usually can’t be cured, but it depends on the cause of your condition. If your OSA is caused solely by excess weight, losing weight may greatly alleviate your sleep apnea. Even if you can’t be cured of your sleep apnea, treatment can improve your life significantly.

With the help of an oral appliance and lifestyle changes, sleep apnea can hardly be a part of your life anymore. You’ll have more energy and lower your risk for serious health conditions so you can spend more time with people you love.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study. This test can either be performed at a sleep clinic by a physician or through a take-home test. You’ll be hooked up to a machine that monitors the quality and quantity of sleep you’re getting.

A physician will examine the sleep test and determine if you have a sleep disorder. Once you have a diagnosis, we can help you find a solution that works for you.

Contact Us for Your Sleep Apnea Consultation

Concerned about the possibility of sleep apnea? We can put a stop to your sleep troubles with comfortable appliances and individualized care.

To learn more about how we can help you or to schedule your consultation, contact our office by calling 940-566-4888 or by filling out our online form. We look forward to learning how we can help you. Garden Oaks Family & Cosmetic Dentistry proudly serves new and existing patients in the Robinson Oaks and Corinth areas.;