Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Texas

What Is Sleep Apnea in Texas?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects more than 18 million Americans, even though many are unaware of it. Treatment is available from your local dentist and it's neither invasive nor expensive in most cases. If you're having trouble sleeping because you periodically wake up coughing or your partner is complaining that you're keeping them awake, then a trip to your dentist may be in order.

This sleep disorder usually has a physiological rather than a physical origin, so your family dentist is the best place to start for treatment. Call our Texas office and we'll schedule an appointment and answer your questions.

Which Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs Will Be Present?

Not everyone will experience all the symptoms, but the following list includes the most common symptoms of this disorder. They are:

• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Daytime drowsiness
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Loud, frequent snoring
• Morning headaches
• Sore throat or dry mouth when you wake up

Any of these can indicate the presence of a sleep disorder, so don't neglect them. Sleep apnea can have serious consequences if it's left untreated because your reaction and response times will be adversely affected. If you're driving or operating machinery, you can present a danger to yourself and others, so be sure to check with your dentist if you think you have this. Lack of sleep can also adversely impact your major organs, so don't delay seeking treatment.

What Are the Specific Sleep Apnea Causes?

This sleep disorder can have several different causes and not everyone may have all of them. Although you can control some of them, you may be unable to control others. Minor lifestyle habits can sometimes play a role, but your dentist will advise you if this is the case. Usually, this involves sleeping on your side instead of your back and possibly losing weight. Factors that can't be changed include:

• Family history of the disorder
• Biological male gender
• Neck circumference greater than 16 inches
• Obesity or overweight

When you're awake, your neck muscles are stiff, which allows adequate airflow into your lungs. However, when you're asleep, your neck muscles relax and inhibit the flow of air into your lungs. This is why side-sleeping may help.

Can I Get Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Texas?

Your Texas dentist can help you by providing a custom sleep apnea mouthpiece to wear at night. The mouth guard will hold your tongue in a forward position so that it doesn't obstruct the airflow in your throat. Other types of treatments include a portable monitor or a polysomnography test at a sleep testing center. Your dentist will evaluate your case and recommend the best place to start. Call our Texas office for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Dental Appliance for OAT Therapy

Can I Get an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Texas?

When you come to our Texas dental office for your OAT therapy appointment, your dentist will evaluate your case and recommend the best treatment protocol, which may include a sleep apnea mouth guard. They're very popular for several reasons, and they help maintain the jaw in a forward position that eliminates or drastically reduces the incidence of sleep apnea.

What Are the Benefits of OAT Treatments?

OAT therapy is an acronym for oral appliance therapy treatment and is widely used. It's very popular because it's:

• Non-invasive
• Easy to maintain
• Portable, so you can easily take it when you travel

If you're interested in OAT treatment, call us for an appointment.

What's the Cost of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Your oral appliance cost will be unique to you. Factors that will influence your final price include the type of appliance you select and any insurance coverage you have.

Will My Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance for Sleep Disorder Treatment?

Most insurance companies cover part or all of the cost of OAT treatment, but we recommend that you contact your provider before your appointment so you'll know the extent of your coverage. This will enable us to provide you with the most accurate cost estimate for your procedure.

However, if finances are an issue, let us know. We don't want you to forego needed treatment due to budgetary considerations, and we'll help you.

If you need help getting restful sleep, then call our Texas office for an appointment.

Call us today. You'll be glad you did.