Best Care Dental · Colorado Springs

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Colorado Springs

Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. It needs medical evaluation; a dental consultation can help explore whether an oral appliance fits a diagnosed treatment plan.

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In the United States, approximately 6 million people have been formally diagnosed with some form of sleep apnea, but nearly 30 million may actually be affected. This common sleep disorder often goes undiagnosed, but it can pose serious problems. The condition is characterized by pauses in breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur 30 times or more an hour. Unsurprisingly, sleep apnea can disrupt sleep patterns, impacting mental and physical health. Our practice offers sleep apnea treatment to transform your health and help you get a better night’s sleep.

Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is more than a simple sleep disturbance; it’s a multifaceted condition with several contributing factors. Essentially, it occurs when your breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

This interruption can happen for various reasons, including:

Exploring the Different Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea comes in various forms. Understanding these types can help in identifying the right treatment and management strategies.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is one of the more prevalent forms of sleep apnea, characterized by the excessive relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. This relaxation causes the airway to narrow or close as you breathe in, leading to inadequate air reaching your lungs. Characteristic signs include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and feeling excessively tired during the day.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

CSA is not as common as OSA and involves the central nervous system. In this type, your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This means that there is no effort made to breathe for short periods. CSA can be associated with conditions such as heart failure and stroke. Unlike OSA, CSA typically doesn’t lead to snoring.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This type occurs when someone has both OSA and CSA. It can be particularly challenging to treat because it combines symptoms of both types. In some cases, patients might start with OSA and develop CSA during the course of treatment (also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea).

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

CPAP Machine

Otherwise known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, CPAP machines are often used to alleviate symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea. This treatment delivers a continuous air stream through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. The CPAP machine maintains constant pressure to ensure the airway remains unobstructed, preventing interruptions in breathing. By promoting better airflow and reducing sleep apnea symptoms, CPAP machines can improve sleep quality for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral Appliances

A custom oral appliance may be suitable for selected people with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. It is prescribed within a coordinated medical plan, fitted by the dentist, and monitored for effectiveness. An ordinary sports mouthguard is not a substitute.

Surgery

When it comes to treating severe sleep apnea, surgery might sometimes be necessary. At our practice, we recommend exploring less invasive treatments before considering surgical intervention. However, in cases where traditional treatments like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) or oral appliances haven’t provided relief or when specific anatomical issues are contributing to sleep apnea, we may recommend surgery. If so, we will refer you to a specialist to address your sleep apnea condition.

Why We Recommend Sleep Apnea Treatment

Treating sleep apnea is crucial because it can cause more serious health issues. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions. For instance, sleep apnea can cause irregular heartbeats, which can increase the risk of heart attacks.Additionally, individuals with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths, which can reduce saliva flow. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids produced by bacteria in your mouth. Reduced saliva flow means these bacteria can thrive, increasing plaque buildup. This makes regular dental checkups even more vital.

During these visits, Dr. Bashi will remove plaque and tartar that has accumulated and identify and address any early signs of gum disease or tooth decay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the warning signs of sleep apnea?

If you or someone you know is struggling with loud snoring that disrupts sleep, gasping for air during the night, or feeling excessively tired during the day, it’s essential to consider the possibility of sleep apnea. Other signs include waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, headaches, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even high blood pressure. Over time, these symptoms can impact your overall well-being, so it is important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible.

What position should I sleep in with sleep apnea?

Sleep position can affect some cases of obstructive sleep apnea, but changing position does not replace diagnosis or prescribed treatment. Follow your medical team’s advice about positional therapy and other options.

Does insurance cover a sleep apnea oral appliance?

Many insurance plans do cover oral appliances for sleep apnea, but it depends on your specific policy. During your free consultation, Dr. Bashi will determine what kind of appliance you need and help you understand your insurance coverage. We can preauthorize the treatment so you know right away how much your insurance will cover and what you can expect for out-of-pocket costs. If you need financing assistance, we partner with multiple lenders who offer flexible monthly payment plans.