You Don’t Have to Suffer From Sleep Apnea in Dallas, TX
If you have sleep apnea, you may notice symptoms like fatigue, lack of focus, and moodiness. What’s worse, though, is what you may not notice. Medical research has linked apnea to such serious conditions as heart disease and diabetes. Sleep apnea treatment will help you rest easier and feel better too.
Doctor Cary Shatto on Sleep Apnea Read TranscriptI have a passion in treating sleep apnea. My patients, I'm always looking out for signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder breathing, and I like to treat that because it is an epidemic in this country. There are so many people that are undiagnosed, that not just aren't sleeping well, but they are sleep-deprived or they're oxygen-deprived because you are losing oxygen in your sleep. You are getting spikes of adrenaline that hurt your body, that cause problems, not only from digestive problems, but diabetes and heart issues. It can even lead to cancer and things of that nature. So it's a really serious condition.
If I notice that somebody is really wearing their teeth down, they're grinding a lot, then I'm probing them, I'm asking them questions like, “Are you tired during the day? Are you snoring a lot?” If I hear these things, I'm going to insist that they get a sleep test, and if they get the diagnosis of sleep apnea, then I'm going to really encourage them to get treated.
Now, most people have probably heard of the CPAP device. Well, that's not what we do. We do what's called an oral sleep appliance. It helps mechanically open the airway, and it helps people while they're sleeping, even on their back, to have more of a patent airway, so they're getting more oxygen, and they're sleeping better, but they're getting more energy the next day. They're not as fatigued. They're not going to fall asleep when they drive or in the movies. They're feeling better and that's one of my passions.
Dallas, TX dentist Dr. Cary Shatto can fit you for a custom sleep apnea appliance that will:
- Allow you – and any members of your household bothered by your snoring – to get a good night’s sleep
- Relieve unpleasant sleep apnea symptoms like headaches, dry throat, and fatigue
- Improve your overall health
- Be easier to use than a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, another commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatment
To find out if your snoring is a sign of a more serious condition, call American Family Dental at 214-340-4965. A sleep apnea consultation is free! You can kick off your treatment by filling out the form we’ve provided here and bringing it with you to your consultation.
We’ll Help You Get a Sleep Apnea Test
Begin by taking this brief sleep apnea assessment. If you have symptoms that indicate a sleep apnea disorder, Dr. Shatto will help arrange a sleep apnea test you can take at home using a simple device that monitors your breathing. It’s more comfortable and less costly than visiting a sleep center. A board-certified physician will review information gathered by the device to produce a diagnosis. You’ll find out whether you have apnea and whether it’s a mild, moderate, or severe case.
Compare Sleep Apnea Appliance to a CPAP
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms, you’ll likely use either a CPAP machine or a custom-made sleep appliance. Some sleep apnea sufferers even use both. Each works by keeping your airway open as you sleep. The appliance does so by gently moving your jaw forward. The CPAP clears your airway with a flow of pressurized air.
Compared to a CPAP, a sleep apnea appliance is:
- Less Invasive – A CPAP mask covers at least part of your face, while an appliance fits comfortably in your mouth. With an appliance, there’s no tubing for you or a bed partner to get tangled in. And unlike a CPAP, an appliance makes no noise.
- More Comfortable – Many people find an appliance easier to get used to than a CPAP. You won’t wake with a dry throat.
- Easier to Transport – You can transport an appliance in a purse or pocket.
- Less of a Hassle – You won’t need electricity or batteries to use an appliance. It’s as easy to use in a tent in the woods as it is in your own bedroom.
Don’t Ignore Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Dr. Shatto may ask about sleep apnea symptoms during your dental exam if you’re at risk for apnea. Regardless, you should get a free consultation ASAP if you’re experiencing these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained sore throat
- Headaches
- Excessive moodiness
- Lack of focus during the day
If you think you could have sleep apnea, call 214-340-4965. You can also request your free consultation using our online form.