Sleep Apnea Treatment in Shoreline, WA
Do you constantly feel exhausted no matter how much sleep you get? You could be experiencing sleep apnea. Millions of Americans have diagnosed sleep apnea, and it is estimated that there are millions of others who are currently suffering from the effects of undiagnosed sleep apnea. Our Shoreline dental team would be more than happy to help you get the quality sleep that you deserve! Contact our office to learn more or schedule your sleep apnea consultation today.
Contact UsWhat is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which patients frequently stop breathing while they sleep. When this happens, the patient must wake up just enough to continue breathing again, but many people do not remember waking up at all. These episodes result in a much lower quality of sleep and can lead to symptoms like chronic fatigue, frequent headaches, decreased energy, loud snoring, irritability, and waking up with a dry or sore throat. In serious cases, sleep apnea can actually be fatal, which is why it’s important to seek a diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.
How is sleep apnea treated?
There are a variety of options that can be used to treat sleep apnea. Custom nightguards that hold the airway open throughout the night are a common treatment that many dental offices provide. CPAP machines are another popular choice, and they involve wearing a comfortable mask that fits in or over the nose and supplies air for the patient even when their airway is collapsed. Our office provides TAP Sleep Care™ devices, which combine the benefits of custom nightguards with CPAP to create a highly effective sleep apnea treatment option.
How can I begin sleep apnea treatment?
Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed through a sleep study, which is when the number of episodes you have is counted, and the quality of your sleep is assessed by a sleep doctor. Once you know you have sleep apnea and the severity of your case, our team would be happy to schedule a consultation with you. TAP Sleep Care offers both one-size and custom oral appliances, so you can either leave your appointment with your new sleep apnea device, or we will take impressions to create your custom appliance, which should be ready in a few weeks.
TAP® Sleep Devices
TAP is a two-piece jaw repositioning device that holds the lower jaw slightly forward while the patient sleeps, which pulls the tongue slightly forward and ensures that the patient’s airway remains open. TAP appliances work well for patients who suffer from sleep apnea as well as snoring, and it’s frequently used to treat both.
While CPAP machines involve wearing a mask over the nose and mouth and require electricity and distilled water, TAP oral appliances are much smaller and don’t require any additional elements, which makes them very convenient to utilize and easy to travel with. Want to learn more about TAP and how it can work for you? Feel free to get in touch with our office, and we’ll be glad to assist.
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