Sleep Apnea Therapy – Oshkosh, WI
Take Back Your Night’s
Sleep for Good
When you’re not able to get a proper night’s sleep, you put yourself at risk for much more than simply constant fatigue throughout your day. Chronic conditions like sleep apnea only result in a higher risk of other medical conditions that you’ll want to avoid, especially if you are older. Thankfully, Dr. Heil has multiple solutions to target your untreated sleep apnea directly with sleep apnea therapy in Oshkosh, WI. If you’re unsure if sleep apnea is affecting your day-to-day, don’t wait to call Oshkosh Complete Dentistry to set up your next at-home sleep test!
Why Choose Oshkosh Complete Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Partners with Area’s Top Sleep Physicians
- Oral Appliances Made from Digital Impressions
- SomnoDent, TAP, and Herbst Appliances
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans every single day. While there are two types of sleep apnea (including obstructive sleep apnea or OSA and central sleep apnea or CSA), OSA is far more common. When blockages exist in the mouth, typically involving the tongue, soft palate, or other oral tissue, it disrupts airflow necessary during sleep. This triggers an apnea, which forces the patient awake in order to kickstart breathing.
Dangers of Sleep Apnea
While chronic fatigue is one of the clearest symptoms and dangers of untreated sleep apnea, it’s far from the only concern for Dr. Heil. Not only can it feel extremely difficult or even impossible to remain productive throughout the day, but you put yourself at higher risk of other debilitating conditions, especially if you are older. For example, those with sleep apnea tend to have a weakened immune system and higher risks for heart disease and stroke.
Excessive Snoring
Many people ask if excessive snoring means they have sleep apnea. While loud or excessive snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, it is not enough to confirm a diagnosis. However, if you or a partner does snore quite loudly throughout the night, it’s important that they see Dr. Heil in the near future for closer examination. Not only can he help you set up an at-home sleep test, but he can discuss potential treatments via oral appliance therapy if needed.
Oral Appliance Therapy
While there are multiple treatment options available for sleep apnea, Dr. Heil offers oral appliance therapy right here in his dental office. These custom-made devices are designed to fit inside the mouth comfortably and reposition the jaw, removing the blockage inside the mouth and allowing proper airflow to occur while you sleep. In some cases, patients experience an improvement in their sleep quality right away. Others who may be using a positive airway pressure machine may find it easier to do so while using an oral appliance at the same time.
Partnered with Sleep Physicians
Dr. Heil understands how important it is for patients to receive comprehensive treatment for complex disorders like sleep apnea, which is precisely why he partners with some of the leading sleep physicians in Oshkosh to help you address it directly. This may include the completion of sleep tests, either in a dental office or in your own home. Partnering with sleep experts ensures that you’re getting the fully personalized care you need to take back your night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Dr. Heil and our team are ready to help you achieve better sleep via oral appliance therapy. Before you come in for a consultation, though, you may be eager to learn more about sleep apnea and what you can expect from the treatment process. Below, you will find answers to some relevant questions. If your specific questions are not addressed here, feel free to give us a call. We will be pleased to speak with you!
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is the vibration and sound that occur when air brushes past loose tissues in the upper airway. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when those tissues completely or partially block the free flow of air. Therefore, although these two conditions are often related, they are not the same thing.
Occasional, light snoring is usually not a cause for concern. However, frequent and heavy snoring is often an indication of OSA.
Of course, it is also important to keep in mind that some people with OSA do not snore at all.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
Sleep apnea is not self-diagnosable. However, you can and should keep track of your symptoms so a qualified medical team can help you determine why you are not getting enough rest. For example, you might use a smart watch to monitor the quality of your sleep. Or, you could keep a sleep diary that records things like bedtimes, wake times, your feelings upon waking up, and more.
Bring such data when you visit us. Based on what we learn, we can decide whether you should be referred for an official sleep test.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
Many people notice improvements in the quality of their sleep the very first night they use their oral appliance. However, keep in mind that there may be a bit of an adjustment period as you get used to wearing it. Some people even accidentally expel their appliance from their mouth during sleep. Such issues usually go away within a few days or weeks.
If you would like hard data on how well your sleep apnea treatment is working, our team or your primary care physician may help you arrange for a second sleep test after you have been consistently using your appliance for a while.
Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?
OSA should be treated professionally. However, there may still be some things you can do at home to reduce your symptoms, such as:
- Losing excess weight
- Sleeping on your side or at a slight incline
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime
- Reducing the number of allergens in your home
- Using essential oils or a weighted blanket to help you relax at night
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