Are you having trouble getting through a whole night’s sleep? Do you have problems with snoring? Are you waking up tired after an entire night’s sleep? You might be experiencing sleep apnea. We offer sleep apnea treatment at Flower Mound Family Dentistry in Flower Mound, TX.
We can help you minimize your symptoms so you can sleep better. Our dental office also provides comprehensive restorative dentistry treatments in Flower Mound, Texas.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can become dangerous. If you have severe sleep apnea, your breathing will repeatedly stop and start while you are asleep.
Sleep Apnea in Flower Mound, TX
The most common form of sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax, causing your airway to contract. Come into Flower Mound Family Dentistry to discuss sleep apnea treatments and solutions.
Our team will start with a sleep exam when testing for potential sleep apnea. This will enable our dentists to recognize and pinpoint any risk factors you may have for sleep apnea through a series of screening questions.
You will also be required to have a CT scan done. This scan will provide an image of your airway and mouth so your dentist can quickly pinpoint any blockages in your airflow. Your Flower Mound dentist will then come up with a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.
Our team wants you to be able to get the whole night’s sleep you deserve. A fitted oral appliance is the most common and effective solution to sleep apnea. This appliance will restore airflow while you sleep, keeping your throat from collapsing and helping you get through the night without waking up.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
sleep apnea in Flower Mound, TX
Am I a candidate for an oral sleep appliance?
You might be a candidate for an oral sleep appliance if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea or snore frequently. You can also benefit if you have sleep apnea but can’t tolerate a CPAP machine or if you want a more comfortable and portable solution. Talk to your doctor or dentist to see if this treatment is right for you. They’ll review your health history and may recommend a sleep study to determine your needs.
Do I have sleep apnea if I snore?
Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has this condition. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep, and morning headaches.
How does sleep apnea affect heart health?
Sleep apnea can have a serious impact on your heart health. When you stop breathing during sleep, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This puts extra stress on your heart and can lead to problems like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, or even heart failure over time.
Each time your breathing stops, your body releases stress hormones that make your heart work harder. Over time, this can strain your heart and increase your risk of heart disease.
How does weight impact my risk of sleep apnea?
Your weight can play a big role in your risk of developing sleep apnea. Extra weight, especially around your neck and throat, can put pressure on your airway while you sleep. This makes it harder for air to flow in and out, increasing the chances of your airway becoming blocked.
Being overweight or obese is one of the most common causes of sleep apnea. Losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat around your airway, which might lower your risk or improve your symptoms if you already have sleep apnea.
Can you cure sleep apnea?
No, OSA, the most common type of sleep apnea, is not curable. While a complete cure isn’t always possible, treatment can greatly improve your quality of life. Long-term management includes using devices like CPAP or oral sleep appliances, lifestyle changes, and regular medical checkups for most people.
How does sleep apnea affect energy levels?
Sleep apnea can significantly lower your energy levels because it disrupts your sleep. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during the night. These pauses interrupt your sleep cycle, even if you don’t fully wake up each time.
This means your body doesn’t get the deep, restful sleep it needs to recharge. Without enough quality sleep, you may feel tired, sluggish, or drowsy during the day. This can make it harder to concentrate, stay productive, or enjoy daily activities
Can sleep apnea affect children?
Yes, sleep apnea can affect children. It happens when a child’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, just like in adults. However, the causes and symptoms may differ.
In children, enlarged tonsils and adenoids are often the main cause of sleep apnea. Other factors, like obesity, allergies, or facial structure, can also play a role.
Common signs of sleep apnea in children include:
- Snoring loudly
- Pausing or gasping for air while sleeping
- Restless sleep or frequent waking up
- Bedwetting or sleeping in unusual positions
- Daytime sleepiness or trouble concentrating in school
- Irritability or hyperactivity
What lifestyle changes can help treat sleep apnea?
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve your overall health. Here are some changes to consider:
- If you are overweight, even losing a small amount of weight can reduce the pressure on your airway and improve breathing.
- Sleep on your side to keep your airway more open.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives, which can relax the muscles in your throat, making it harder to breathe at night.
- Quit smoking, which can irritate your airway and cause swelling.
- Exercise regularly to can strengthen your lungs and improve your breathing.
- Go to bed and waking up at the same time each day can improve the quality of your sleep.
- If nasal congestion is a problem, use a decongestant or nasal strips to keep your airway open.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep apnea dentistry shows excellent results. We are proud to offer care to Flower Mound and surrounding communities. Our office serves Plano, Frisco, Carrollton, Southlake, Colleyville, Coppell, and Roanoke. We also serve Lewisville, Grapevine, Farmers Branch, Keller, and many other towns and cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We cannot wait to serve you and help you tackle sleep apnea once and for all!