Is snoring always a sign of a sleep apnea?
Snoring is a major warning sign for sleep apnea. However, one can snore and not have sleep apnea. In fact, Dr. Nugent took a sleep study and he snored but did not have any sleep apnea events. It is estimated that over half of our population experiences snoring at mild, moderate, or severe levels. In many instances, snoring is nothing to be worried about. Nevertheless, exceptionally frequent and loud snoring (especially if there are moments of choking, gasping, or complete silence interspersed) is a major cause for concern. If you or a loved one falls under this category, please contact Dr. Nugent and his Pasadena Texas dental team so that they can screen for sleep apnea.
What are some symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing, sudden choking, or gasping when sleeping
- Excessive daytime exhaustion, no matter how many hours you slept the night before
- Dry mouth and/or sore throat in the mornings
- Headaches in the morning
- Chest pain in the morning
- Daily exhaustion
- Significant problems with concentration and memory
How can I find out if I suffer from sleep apnea?
Talk to your Primary care physician or our office about the possibility. The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is to take a sleep study and have that study interpreted by a board certified sleep physician. Here in Pasadena, Dr. Nugent and team would be happy to review your symptoms with you and give you more information about receiving a concrete diagnosis. In fact, our office can easily arrange to have a home sleep test delivered to your door. You take the Home Sleep Test (HST) at your house and in your bed. Then you simply send the medical equipment back in the prepaid envelope. Or you can go to a sleep lab and sleep in a weird bed while a technician watches you sleep.
Sleep Apnea Dangers?
If left untreated, sleep apnea can directly affect your health and overall quality of life. Breathing in less oxygen and periods of no breathing can wreak havoc on your organ systems. Sleep Apnea patients are more prone to heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure and other major medical problems. Furthermore, the inherent exhaustion can lead to consequences in your professional and personal lives, and the risks of being involved in car or workplace accidents increases significantly.
How does a CPAP work?
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) relies on a machine to constantly ram air through the patient’s throat while they sleep. Patients must wear a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth. The steady strong flow or air keep the airway from collapsing. While this method is effective, it can be uncomfortable and difficult to use for many patients, and many stop their treatment out of frustration.
How does oral appliance therapy work?
Here in Pasadena Texas, Dr. Nugent highly recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Patients simply wear the customized oral appliance we provide every night. This appliance moves the jaw downward and forward in order to maintain and open airway. When compared with CPAP, oral appliance therapy is considered much more simple, comfortable, and easy to travel with.
What the right oral appliance?
Dr. Nugent will answer that question! No two patients have the same needs. We offer several oral appliances to ensure that you receive the best fit possible, depending on personal factors like your facial structure, night time teeth grinding habits and budget.
What sleep apnea treatment option is right for me?
Once the sleep test is read, the board certified sleep physician will write a prescription for the appropriate treatment. In most cases, oral appliance therapy is ideal for patients with mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea, while CPAP therapy is recommended for more severe instances. Dr. Nugent can work with your general physician to ensure that your symptoms are being handled effectively with either choice.
Will my dental insurance cover my treatment?
There are no codes in dentistry that cover an oral appliance for sleep apnea. Therefore, our office will use medical codes to file for your oral appliance and we will file on your medical insurance.
Sleep Apnea Pasadena Texas: you and your family deserve the best and most current sleep apnea therapy possible. See why our office is a leader in the screening and treatment of sleep apnea.
