1988 Wilcrest Dr G, Houston, TX 77042, United States

Briar Forest Dental Group

713-784-4430

Briar Forest Dental Group

Sleep Apnea in Houston, Tx 77042

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can harm your health if left untreated. It occurs when your airway becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep, preventing you from getting the oxygen you need. This can lead to several health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

If you think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to see a dentist specializing in treating this condition. A dentist can perform various tests to determine whether you have sleep apnea and recommend the best treatment for you. Treatment for sleep apnea can be expensive, but it’s important to get the help you need to protect your health.

Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects how you breathe. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and regularly or if you feel tired during the day despite getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep apnea can also cause problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

Sleep apnea is caused by obstruction of the airway. This may be due to excess muscle and tissue in the throat, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or a problem with the structure of the roof of the mouth. When these obstructions occur, breathing stops for brief periods during sleep.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring and choking, gasping, or silent breathing pauses while you sleep. It can be hard to know whether a loved one has the condition, as they may not remember their episodes or have any indication that something is wrong.
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Who Treats Sleep Apnea?

A dentist who is specially trained to treat sleep apnea is a good first step for anyone with this disorder. A dentist specializing in treating sleep disorders can diagnose the condition, provide treatment options, and refer you to specialists if needed.

The dentist during the initial exam can usually determine if you have sleep apnea. During your examination, make sure to tell them about any previous snoring problems or breathing issues that you may have had. This is very important because it may affect the severity of your case.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several options available for treatment. Existing treatments include oral appliances that shift the lower jaw forwards to open the airway and nasal devices which help control airflow into the nose or increase oxygen levels in your blood.

The most common treatment involves using a CPAP machine while you sleep. This device delivers air pressure through a mask that keeps your airway open during sleep. You can also use oral appliance therapy, designed to create space for your airway and keep it open at night. Surgery may be recommended in some cases of severe apnea by removing excess tissue in your throat or palate.

Cost of Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea can be expensive. Oral appliance therapy and surgery are typically not covered by insurance, so you may need to pay out-of-pocket. On the other hand, CPAP machines usually qualify as durable medical equipment and can be purchased with a prescription. Speak with your doctor about the best treatment options for you.