Sleep Apnea Treatment in Medical District

Stop letting sleep apnea control your nights and ruin your days. At Dee for Dentist in the Medical District, we provide proven sleep apnea treatment solutions that help you breathe better and sleep soundly. Our dental team uses advanced technology like CBCT scans and custom oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea right here in Las Vegas.

What is Sleep Apnea and Why Does It Matter?

Sleep apnea affects about 22% of Americans, yet many people don’t even know they have it. This serious condition causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep, preventing you from getting the rest your body needs. When your airway becomes blocked, your brain wakes you up to restart breathing – sometimes hundreds of times per night.

The Medical District location of Dee for Dentist sees patients daily who suffer from untreated sleep apnea. Left untreated, this condition leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Beyond these serious health risks, sleep apnea makes you feel exhausted during the day, affects your mood, and impacts your ability to focus at work or home.

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Many people discover they have sleep apnea when their partner complains about loud snoring, but there are other warning signs to watch for. Common symptoms include waking up with headaches, feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep, and having trouble concentrating during the day.

Other signs of sleep apnea include frequent trips to the bathroom at night, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and feeling irritable or moody. Some people also experience memory problems, weight gain, or decreased interest in physical intimacy. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to seek professional help for sleep apnea treatment in the Medical District.

Who Gets Sleep Apnea in Las Vegas?

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep. Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women, and your risk increases as you get older.

People with large tonsils, a small jaw, or a thick neck are also at higher risk. Lifestyle choices matter too – smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications can make sleep apnea worse. If you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, you’re more likely to develop sleep apnea. Family history also plays a role, so if your parents or siblings have sleep apnea, you should be extra careful about watching for symptoms.

Best Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Medical District

At Dee for Dentist, we offer several effective treatments for sleep apnea. Our most popular option is a custom oral appliance, which looks similar to a mouthguard but works differently. This device gently moves your lower jaw forward, keeping your airway open while you sleep.

The process starts with a detailed examination and CBCT scan to measure your airway. If we find signs of sleep apnea, we’ll provide a take-home sleep study that a sleep medicine doctor will review. Once diagnosed, we use our Primescan system to create a digital impression for your custom appliance. The Somnomed device we use is comfortable, allows you to drink water and talk while wearing it, and most patients adjust to it quickly.

Why Choose Oral Appliances Over CPAP Machines?

Many people prefer oral appliances to CPAP machines because they’re more comfortable and convenient. CPAP machines require you to wear a mask connected to a machine that blows air into your lungs. While effective, many patients find CPAP machines loud, uncomfortable, and difficult to travel with.

Oral appliances are small, quiet, and easy to travel with. They don’t require electricity or make noise that might disturb your partner. Most patients find them more comfortable than CPAP machines and are more likely to use them every night. Studies show that oral appliances can be just as effective as CPAP machines for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Advanced Sleep Apnea Technology in Medical District

Our Medical District dental office uses cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. The Axeos 3D cone-beam computed tomography scanner gives us detailed images of your airway, helping us see exactly where blockages occur. This technology allows us to create more precise treatment plans.

We also use the iTero digital scanning system to create perfect impressions for your oral appliance. This eliminates the need for messy impression materials and ensures your device fits perfectly. Our Primescan technology works with the CBCT data to determine the exact positioning needed for your custom appliance, making treatment more effective and comfortable.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Process at Dee for Dentist

Your sleep apnea treatment journey begins with a thorough consultation where we discuss your symptoms and examine your mouth and throat. We’ll take a CBCT scan to measure your airway and look for any obstructions that might be causing your sleep apnea.

If the scan shows you’re at risk for sleep apnea, we’ll give you a take-home sleep study. This small device monitors your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels while you sleep in your own bed. A sleep medicine physician reviews the results and provides an official diagnosis. Once diagnosed, we create your custom oral appliance using digital scans and deliver it at your final appointment, making sure it fits perfectly and feels comfortable.

Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment in Las Vegas

The cost of sleep apnea treatment varies depending on the type of treatment you need. Oral appliances typically cost less than CPAP machines when you factor in the ongoing costs of replacement parts and supplies. Many dental insurance plans cover sleep apnea treatment, especially when it’s medically necessary.

At Dee for Dentist, we accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options including CareCredit, Lending Club, LendingPoint, GreenSky, and Sunbit. We’ll work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Don’t let cost prevent you from getting the treatment you need – untreated sleep apnea costs much more in terms of health problems and decreased quality of life.

Additional Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Besides oral appliances, we may recommend other treatments depending on your specific situation. Some patients benefit from surgical options like maxillomandibular advancement, which moves the jaw bones to increase airway space. Turbinate reduction surgery can decrease airway resistance for some patients.

Lifestyle changes can also help improve sleep apnea symptoms. Losing weight, exercising regularly, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule all help. We recommend limiting alcohol and caffeine, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side instead of your back. Some patients use a CPAP machine along with or instead of an oral appliance, depending on the severity of their condition.

Sleep Apnea Emergency Care in Medical District

Severe sleep apnea can be a medical emergency. If you stop breathing for long periods, have severe daytime fatigue that affects your safety, or experience chest pain or irregular heartbeats, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate dangerous complications from untreated sleep apnea.

At Dee for Dentist, we provide emergency dental care and can help with urgent sleep apnea concerns. If your oral appliance breaks or becomes uncomfortable, don’t wait – call us right away. We understand that sleep apnea affects your health and quality of life, and we’re here to help whenever you need us.

Snoring Treatment vs Sleep Apnea Treatment

Many people think snoring and sleep apnea are the same thing, but they’re different conditions that require different treatments. Snoring happens when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing them to vibrate. While annoying, simple snoring doesn’t usually cause serious health problems.

Sleep apnea is much more serious because it actually stops your breathing. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores loudly. At our Medical District office, we can determine whether you have simple snoring or sleep apnea through proper testing. The good news is that many treatments work for both conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment in Medical District

How long does it take to get used to a sleep apnea oral appliance? Most patients adjust to their oral appliance within a few days to two weeks. You might notice some initial jaw soreness or increased saliva production, but these side effects typically go away quickly. Our team provides detailed instructions and follow-up care to help you adjust comfortably.

Can I eat and drink while wearing my sleep apnea appliance? The Somnomed appliances we use allow you to drink water and talk while wearing them, but you should remove them before eating. This helps keep the appliance clean and prevents damage. Most patients wear their appliance only during sleep, so eating restrictions aren’t usually a problem.

How often do I need to replace my sleep apnea oral appliance? With proper care, most oral appliances last 3-5 years. We recommend regular check-ups to ensure your appliance still fits properly and works effectively. If you gain or lose significant weight, get dental work done, or notice changes in how the appliance fits, let us know so we can make adjustments.

Will my insurance cover sleep apnea treatment in the Medical District? Many dental and medical insurance plans cover sleep apnea treatment, especially when it’s medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the full cost, we offer financing options to make treatment affordable.

What happens if my sleep apnea oral appliance doesn’t work? If your oral appliance doesn’t improve your sleep apnea symptoms, we’ll work with you to find other solutions. This might include adjusting the appliance, trying a different type of device, or referring you to a sleep specialist for other treatments like CPAP therapy or surgery.