Dentistry in Richardson, TX
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments
If you snore, sleep restlessly, and wake up feeling irritable Dr. Haney may be able to help. Snoring is a nuisance, but many people don’t realize that it can also be a sign of a serious medical condition. According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that often results in snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most commonly diagnosed form of sleep apnea, occurs when the passageways that supply airflow to the brain are blocked for a period of 10 seconds or more. After 10 seconds, the brain tells the body to wake up and breathe. Some people wake up completely and gasp for air; others continue to snore in a lighter stage of sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause memory loss as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Are you in need of sleep? Take the Epworth Sleepiness Test
What are my treatment options?
Dr. Haney will evaluate your unique case to determine if sleep apnea is affecting you. To stop snoring and reverse the effects of sleep apnea, Dr. Haney offers non-surgical, oral appliance therapy. An oral appliance is a specially designed mouthguard that opens the breathing passages, allowing constant airflow to the brain while you sleep. Dr. Haney works closely with a SomnoMed laboratory to custom design a mouthguard that fits comfortably and securely. Patients who snore, and do not have sleep apnea, benefit from this therapy as well.
Ready to stop snoring? Call Dr. Haney today and schedule your sleep apnea and snoring treatment consultation. Our comfortable Richardson dental office serves patients from Plano, Dallas, Garland, Allen, Carrollton, and beyond. Learn more about sleep apnea in our patient library.