Sleep Apnea Treatment in Denver, CO

Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep condition that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide. Characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing while sleeping, this condition not only disrupts sleep patterns but also poses serious health risks if left untreated. Our practice is dedicated to addressing this widespread issue by offering sleep apnea treatment tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain factors significantly increase your risk:

  • Gender: Men are more likely than women to experience sleep apnea, though a woman’s risk increases after menopause.
  • Age: Older adults are at higher risk, but sleep apnea can develop at any age.
  • Family history: Genetics play a role, with a family history of sleep apnea increasing risk.
  • Alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax the throat muscles, which can worsen obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Smoking: Smoking exposes the upper airways to inhalants in cigarettes, causing inflammation and narrowing of the air passages. This can lead to a higher risk of airway collapse and obstructive apnea.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neuromuscular disorders increase the likelihood of sleep apnea.

Why Sleep Apnea Treatment Is Important

If you experience breathing interruptions while sleeping, your blood oxygen levels can drop, and your sleep may be disrupted. This can cause daytime fatigue and drowsiness. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to memory issues, weight gain, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and more.

Additionally, sleep apnea often leads to mouth breathing. This can result in dry mouth, reducing saliva’s protective effects and subsequently elevating the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. This underscores the importance of regular dental checkups to monitor and address any oral health issues early, especially for those with sleep apnea.

Understanding these aspects of sleep apnea is crucial for recognizing the need for professional evaluation and treatment. Our practice is equipped to provide comprehensive care for individuals suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Bashi ensures that each patient receives a personalized approach to manage this condition.

Understanding Sleep Apnea: An Overview

Sleep apnea comes in different types, each with its own causes and treatment needs. Understanding these variations is essential for anyone trying to grasp their own or a loved one’s sleep challenges in order to pursue the best treatment options.

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form and is characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. The blockage occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much. This narrows or closes the airway, temporarily halting breathing.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Unlike OSA, CSA happens when the brain doesn’t properly communicate with the breathing muscles. This results in a disconnect between the brain and the muscles essential for breathing.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This condition involves a mix of obstructive and central sleep apnea. It can occur in people who have OSA and develop CSA during their treatment with a CPAP machine.

Your Treatments Options

We offer an array of treatment solutions for sleep apnea aimed at restoring normal breathing during sleep and addressing the specific symptoms and health risks associated with the condition:

  • Lifestyle modifications: Often the first line of treatment for mild cases, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, and changes in sleep position can significantly reduce symptoms.
  • Continuous positive airway pressure therapy: Otherwise known as CPAP, this is the cornerstone treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It is a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
  • Oral appliances: Custom-fitted dental devices can reposition the jaw and tongue during sleep to keep the airway open. These appliances are best for treating mild to moderate OSA or for individuals who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. Dr. Bashi customizes these mouthpieces so that they are tailored to each patient’s needs and fit comfortably.
  • Surgical options: For cases resistant to non-invasive treatments, surgical interventions such as tissue removal or jaw repositioning may be needed to open the airway.

We typically recommend trying less invasive treatments first. If traditional approaches like an oral appliance or a CPAP machine don’t bring relief, surgery might be necessary. In such cases, we’ll refer you to a specialist for treatment.

Learn About Sleep Apnea Treatment Options With Dr. Bashi

Understanding the risks, symptoms, and treatment options for sleep apnea is the first step toward achieving a healthier, more restful night’s sleep. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep apnea, we encourage you to seek prompt treatment. Contact us today at the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Denver to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most telling sign of sleep apnea is loud and chronic snoring, often accompanied by pauses in breathing or gasping for air during sleep. These interruptions can significantly impact sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and irritability. It’s important to note that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if snoring is paired with other symptoms, it may indicate this condition.

Positional therapy, involving sleeping upright or on the side, can benefit individuals whose sleep apnea worsens when lying flat on their backs. Sleeping on the right side can reduce sleep apnea symptoms due to improved blood flow, though individual responses vary. However, pregnant individuals or those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may sleep more soundly when sleeping on their left side.

The cost of a sleep apnea mouthpiece can vary. The price may be influenced by factors such as the specific type of device and the customization required.

Many insurance providers offer coverage for these oral appliances, especially when medically necessary. However, coverage and out-of-pocket expenses can differ from one insurance plan to another.

Our practice works with various financing services to assist patients with out-of-pocket expenses. We offer flexible payment plans through third-party lenders to make the cost of sleep apnea treatment manageable. At your consultation, we will help you navigate your insurance and financing options to ensure you receive the treatment you need.