Sleep Apnea

A good night’s sleep is essential to good health

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Do you wake to feel tired and irritable? Have you been told you snore a lot? Do you grind your teeth at night? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be suffering from Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder that can result in irritability, confusion, memory problems, hypertension, and even death. Call our office today to set up a FREE consultation regarding your sleep apnea symptoms.

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How many risk factors do you have?

Sleep apnea occurs when your throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Those who are overweight, have a thick neck circumference, or a narrowed airway (perhaps as a result of oversized tonsils or adenoids) are at greater risk for OSA. Other risk factors include family history, being male, and smoking, among others.

It’s Far More Serious Than Snoring

OSA is characterized by recurrent episodes of upper airway collapse during sleep. This collapse causes an obstruction that partially or completely restricts airflow. Individual events can last for a few seconds or in some cases over a minute. People suffering from OSA often have hundreds of these episodes per night; a severe sufferer can have over a thousand. At Hope Dental, we now have the most up-to-date technology to recognize and identify patients who suffer from this dangerous disorder.

Health Risks

Sleep Apnea increases your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and an increased risk of strokes.

Weight Gain

Hormones can become imbalanced, affecting your hunger and satiety levels

Relationship Struggles

Sleep apnea has a tendency to affect your loved ones. Snoring often keeps household members awake and prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Personal Safety

Lack of quality sleep leaves you more likely to get into accidents at work, at home, and while driving due to constant exhaustion.

Behavioral Shifts

Sleep apnea sufferers are prone to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Questions & Answers

How can a Dentist help?

The American Medical Association and The American Dental Association has instructed that dentists screen every patient for Sleep Apnea. Because the dentist has access to your oral cavity at each visit, they are in the ideal position to evaluate whether or not you may have Sleep Apnea. If you or anyone you know suffers from any of the above symptoms, please call our office today and set up your free consultation.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes continually blocked during sleep, causing airflow to be reduced or completely stopped. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing this, contact your doctor immediately as it can have serious health risks.

How serious is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea can escalate if left unresolved causing irritability, confusion, memory problems, hypertension, and in severe cases, even death. It’s important to find a solution sooner rather than later and not to downplay the seriousness of this condition. Make sure to mention any symptoms you may be experiencing to Dr. Ras.

How can a dentist help fix my Sleep Apnea?

Because we see patients minimally twice a year, The American Medical Association and The American Dental Association has instructed that dentists screen every patient for Sleep Apnea. For severe cases, Continual Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices that you can get from your doctor will deliver pure oxygen to patients with sleep apnea. For patients that cannot tolerate the CPAP, we provide oral appliances. Since dentists are the only providers that can manipulate the oral cavity, they are the only ones who can treat patients with oral appliances for sleep apnea. We will work to find the root cause of your sleep apnea and provide you with the best solution for you.

Can SleepASpnea go away on its own?

Sleep Apnea does not go away on its own. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available and we are here to find the best solution for you.

Sleep Apnea is affecting my relationship with my loved ones, what should I do?

Book an appointment with us to find a solution to your Sleep Apnea. It is not uncommon for this disorder to affect or cause tension between you and your loved ones. It’s important that everyone in the home gets a good night’s rest.

Sleep Apnea is affecting my relationship with my loved ones, what should I do?

Are visits to the dentist for Sleep Apnea covered by my life insurance?

You must contact your insurance provider to find out if they will cover appointments for Sleep Apnea.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Cassie M.

"I have been a patient with Dr. Ras for about 10 years and I cannot say enough great things about my experiences there! Doc and his staff are incredibly personable, friendly, and genuinely care about their patients. The quality of his work speaks for itself. I highly recommend him to my family and friends!"