Sleep Apnea Therapy – Kansas City, MO

Sleep Apnea Basics

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of U.S. adults. There are two forms of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain is unable to trigger the body to inhale and exhale properly, and this form requires advanced treatment.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is much more common. It occurs when the airway is obstructed at night. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing, called apneas. Patients with OSA can experience dozens or hundreds of apneas each night. This disrupts the sleep cycle, lowers blood oxygen levels, and subjects the body to a high level of stress.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

When tissues in the throat overrelax during sleep, it results in apneas. There can be a number of different reasons why the throat tissues might hinder the free flow of air. For example, obese patients with a large neck circumference are at a high risk. Older individuals who have lost muscle tone in their throat may also be prone to experience sleep apnea. Other possible causes include anatomical defects (such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum), nasal congestion, and consuming alcohol close to bedtime.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Waking up gasping for breath or wheezing
• Excessive daytime exhaustion
• Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
• Changing in mood or behavior
• Waking up with a headache or sore throat
• Frequently waking up throughout the night
• Slowed reaction times

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please mention them during your next preventive appointment with our team. We’ll screen you for sleep apnea and may recommend that you undergo a sleep test.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

While the above-listed symptoms are certainly indicative of OSA, the only way to know for sure that you have the disorder is to undergo a sleep study. These tests can be completed in a sleep clinic or at home. In-office sleep studies are more sensitive and may more accurately capture your instances of apnea. However, many patients struggle to get to sleep and stay asleep during these tests. At-home study systems are not as sensitive, but they may more accurately represent your condition. After an expert analyzes the results of your sleep test, you will know whether you have OSA and how severe the disorder is.

Treatment Options

The most common treatment option for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure therapy, known as CPAP. However, many patients find themselves to be intolerant to a CPAP machine and do not use this therapy consistently because they’re unable to adjust to the sounds and sensations. For these patients and those who travel frequently and need a more portable option, a custom oral appliance from Byars Dental may offer a better solution.

Oral Appliance Therapy

An oral appliance shifts the jaw forward, opening the throat and preventing airway blockage during sleep. Dentists are generally the best people to provide oral appliance therapy because they have an in-depth understanding of oral anatomy. Each appliance is custom designed to work with a patient’s unique oral structures.

Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment

The cost of OSA treatment depends on the type of therapy used to address the condition and the extent of your insurance coverage. Dental insurance does not cover sleep apnea appliances. However, your medical insurance is likely to pay for a significant portion of the cost of your treatment. In additional to covering your oral appliance, it may also help to pay for your sleep test. Our team will be happy to help you navigate the ins and outs of using your benefits so you can keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum.

Are you ready to start getting the rest your body needs to function and feel its best? Contact us today to schedule your sleep apnea therapy consultation.