Sleep Apnea Treatment – Arlington, TX
Stop Snoring & Improve Your Quality of Sleep
Many people think of snoring as simply an annoying habit that has to be tolerated by roommates and bed partners. However, loud, chronic snoring can actually be an indicator of a much more serious condition: sleep apnea. Dr. Baldwin and his team here at Foundation Dental Solutions work in partnership with board certified sleep physicians and your medical insurance to diagnose and treat you with alternatives to night time breathing machines. We can offer patients the support and tools they need to finally achieve a good night’s rest with sleep apnea treatment in Arlington, TX.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of your throat collapse while you’re asleep, causing them to vibrate as you force air through them. Sleep apnea, in turn, occurs when the narrowing or blockage of the airway becomes so severe that you stop breathing altogether, forcing your brain to send out an emergency signal so that you can wake up and correct the issue. While many patients won’t even be aware of these brief moments of consciousness, they can happen up to hundreds of times throughout the night, which is very disruptive to your sleep cycle. Patients with sleep apnea tend to experience daytime exhaustion, painful headaches and earaches, and even an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and strokes. Altogether, sleep apnea significantly reduces your quality of life, which is why our dental team wants to help you overcome it as quickly and effectively as possible.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Initially, sleep apnea might appear as a minor inconvenience. However, it carries several significant and potentially serious consequences that are often underestimated. These include:
- Health Risks – Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is closely linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia.
- Increased Risk of Accidents – Daytime fatigue resulting from sleep apnea can impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Impact On Relationships – Loud snoring associated with sleep apnea can strain intimate relationships. Additionally, sleep apnea may contribute to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Therapeutic Options for Better Sleep
Oral appliances have been shown to be most effective in the treat of mild to moderate sleep apnea, and we can provide you with a customized one here in Arlington that fits snugly and comfortably. It alleviates the conditions that cause sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw slightly forward or holding the tongue in a certain position. This small change helps to keep your airway clear of blockage throughout the night, allowing you to rest soundly with no interruptions.
Schedule an Evaluation
Contact Foundation Dental Solutions today if you have any questions about our sleep apnea treatment, or if you’re ready to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to give you something to smile about! Located in Arlington, our dental office also serves the nearby areas of Fort Worth, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and beyond.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Before exploring sleep apnea treatment options, you likely want to know how much it’ll cost. Well, the overall price varies depending on individual cases. During your consultation, we’ll provide detailed information about the specific costs associated with your treatment plan. Additionally, we’ll assist you in understanding payment methods, including insurance coverage and financing options. Click on the button below to learn more about what you can expect.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Understanding insurance coverage for sleep apnea treatment can be a challenge. Generally, dental insurance does not cover sleep apnea treatment because it is classified as a medical rather than a dental condition. However, this allows patients the opportunity to utilize their medical insurance for services such as oral appliance therapy.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you're considering sleep apnea treatment, keep in mind that several factors can affect the overall cost:
- Sleep Study: Before starting treatment, a formal diagnosis through a sleep study is necessary, which involves its own associated costs.
- Insurance Coverage: The level of coverage provided for sleep care differs among health insurance plans, influencing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Treatment Options: The most common treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy, each with varying initial and ongoing costs. Oral appliance therapy is often noted for its cost-effectiveness compared to CPAP therapy.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
Whether or not your insurance covers the costs, addressing sleep apnea can significantly benefit both your health and your finances. This condition is linked to an increased risk of various medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, obesity, acid reflux, depression, and other mental health disorders.
By improving your sleep quality through effective treatment, you can potentially lower overall medical expenses and feel more energized to perform at your best in your daily life. Additionally, addressing sleep apnea reduces the risk of being involved in serious motor vehicle accidents, enhancing overall safety and well-being.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
We’ll gladly manage your medical insurance claims and offer various financing options to help minimize your treatment costs. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in understanding your insurance benefits and exploring third-party financing options as needed. Don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Seeing Dr. Baldwin for sleep apnea treatment might not seem obvious at first, but it makes a lot of sense when you consider his expertise. Dentists are specialists in the upper respiratory area, which is closely connected to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
In OSA, tissues from the mouth and neck can obstruct your airway, making it hard to breathe while you sleep. Dr. Baldwin can help by repositioning the lower jaw to keep these tissues from blocking your airway, improving your breathing. Additionally, since you already visit Dr. Baldwin regularly for checkups, these appointments provide a convenient opportunity for him to assess any sleep-related issues and discuss treatment options.
Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make Sleep Apnea Therapy Unnecessary?
Oral appliance therapy may make CPAP therapy unnecessary for some patients, but it depends on the severity of your sleep apnea. CPAP therapy works by forcing air through your airways with a mask worn throughout the night, but many people find it uncomfortable and difficult to use. Only about 50 percent of those prescribed CPAP therapy actually stick with it.
For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, an oral appliance can sometimes replace CPAP therapy effectively. However, if you have severe sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy alone may not be as effective. It's important to work closely with Dr. Baldwin to determine the best treatment option for your specific condition.
Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?
Yes, children can have sleep apnea! In fact, about 1-8% of children are affected by the condition. However, the symptoms in children can differ from those in adults. Children with sleep apnea may experience bed-wetting, sleep terrors, attention or learning problems, difficulty focusing, or even hyperactivity.
If you suspect your child has sleep apnea, it's important to follow the same process used for adults. This involves conducting a sleep study to diagnose the condition, followed by treatment tailored to your child's specific needs. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to addressing the symptoms and improving your child's overall well-being.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
At-home remedies can help improve your overall sleep quality, but they won't address the root cause of sleep apnea. While products like essential oils or weighted blankets may help you relax, and avoiding screens before bed or staying physically active during the day can support better sleep, they don't replace the need for effective treatment.
To properly manage sleep apnea, it's crucial to address the airway obstruction directly. This is typically done through oral appliance therapy or CPAP therapy, which are specifically designed to open up the airway and improve your breathing during sleep. These treatments have the most significant impact on the quality of your sleep and managing sleep apnea effectively.