Sleep Apnea Treatment – Raleigh, NC
Get a Good Night’s
Sleep Again
Are you suffering from the disruptive, exhausting condition known as sleep apnea? If you experience fatigue, chronic snoring, and frequent waking throughout the night, chances are good you are among the 18 million Americans with obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Lisk provides sleep apnea treatment in Raleigh using a removable oral device. Keep reading to learn about the condition, including sleep apnea symptoms, diagnosis, and sleep apnea therapy.
Why Choose Dr. Philip A. Lisk for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Individualized Oral Appliances
-
Warm, Welcoming
Practice -
Friendly, Relatable
Team
What Is Sleep Apnea?
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the tongue and lower jaw collapse and block the proper flow of air during sleep. Sufferers of OSA may wake up hundreds of times during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect anyone, but there are some factors that increase the risk of sleep apnea, including:
- Large neck circumference
- Excess weight
- High blood pressure
- Heavy alcohol and tobacco use
- Chronic nasal congestion
Sleep Apnea Warning Signs
Because the symptoms of OSA are similar to other conditions affecting sleep, people suffering from sleep apnea may go years without receiving a proper diagnosis. Learn about the symptoms to recognize a problem in you or a loved one.
The warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Frequent waking throughout the night (often noticed by a partner)
- Daytime fatigue
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Do not wait to seek a professional’s opinion if you suspect you or a loved one are suffering from sleep apnea in North Raleigh. The condition has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and even premature death.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep clinic to diagnose your sleep breathing disorder. You will spend the night at the clinic connected to monitors to help identify the problem with your sleep. Patients who do not want to visit a sleep clinic may be able to perform an at-home sleep test. The results from your test will be evaluated by your doctor, and treatment for sleep apnea is performed by a sleep apnea dentist.
Sleep Apnea Therapy Treating the Issue
Once you have received a diagnosis for your sleep apnea, you can regain your eight hours of sleep with sleep apnea therapy. One common method for preventing the blockage of the airway during sleep is with the CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure machine. This device uses a face mask hooked up to a machine that forces air into the throat to keep it open throughout the night. Unfortunately, many patients are CPAP intolerant -- meaning they do not find relief with this loud, bulky machine.
Sleep Apnea Therapy with an Oral Appliance
For mild to moderate cases of OSA or for people who are CPAP intolerant, Dr. Lisk provides sleep apnea treatment in North Raleigh with a removable oral device. This small, comfortable device we also call a “snore guard” repositions your jaw and tongue to prevent their collapse. With a removable oral device, many patients find relief from interrupted sleep at long last.
A snore guard may also be called a Jaw Advancing Device (JAD) or Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). Dr. Lisk customizes these sleep apnea oral appliances using a plastic-like mold. With this, he can specify a snore guard that forms to the exact shape of your teeth and mouth. As the name suggests, a snore guard not only stops sleep apnea, but is also a comfortable and effective way to stop snoring.
How Does a Snore Guard Work?
A snore guard in North Raleigh works by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This small movement increases the size of the upper airway, thus reducing the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring.
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are often used in place of a CPAP machine or more invasive sleep apnea oral surgery.
If a patient also happens to overweight—a common problem among people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea—then a snore guard may be prescribed in conjunction with weight loss. Custom sleep apnea oral appliances are often most effective in sleep apnea patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Benefits of a Snore Guard for Sleep Apnea
When compared to a CPAP machine, a snore guard for sleep apnea offers several benefits:
- Greater comfort so patients are more likely to comply with treatment
- A snore guard is small and portable, making it easy to travel with
- This oral appliance cannot be seen when your mouth is closed
- Many patients get better rest on the first night they use a snore guard
- A snore guard is silent and does not use any electricity
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Although sleep apnea is common, it’s normal to have several concerns about the road ahead. We will discuss everything you need to know about sleep apnea therapy in North Raleigh to calm your nerves. While you wait for your consultation, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Why do I need to see a dentist for treatment?
Dentists specialize in more than just your teeth and gums. They are experts in oral anatomy, so they have the solutions needed to resolve blockages in the upper airway that cause obstructive sleep apnea, like using an oral appliance. The customized device is made to reposition your tongue and jaw to stop the soft tissues from obstructing airflow. It will fit your mouth like a glove for enhanced comfort and effectiveness.
How much does sleep apnea therapy cost?
There’s not a flat fee for sleep apnea therapy because every situation differs. Therefore, various factors affect the cost of your treatment, like the materials used for your oral appliance. Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with a personalized estimate and explain the fees associated with your plan. A member of our team will review your payment options to keep your care affordable.
Do I use my medical or dental insurance?
Although sleep apnea is a medical issue, your dental insurance will be billed because you’ll be under the care of a dentist. We know insurance policies are confusing, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. A member of our team will file the required paperwork to maximize your benefits. We will explain how your coverage is being used and if you own any remaining balance. Our office accepts multiple payment methods to find the solution to fit your budget.
Is an oral appliance uncomfortable?
Many patients prefer an oral appliance to a CPAP because you won’t have to worry about wearing an uncomfortable mask or feeling restricted by hoses and cords. Your oral appliance will be made from a comfortable material that’s customized to meet your exact needs. You can expect it to take a couple of weeks to adjust to sleeping with the device. Since it will feel foreign in your mouth, it’s not uncommon to unconsciously remove it while sleeping. However, the more you wear it, the quicker you will adjust. In no time at all, you will be breathing better and sleeping peacefully. You may even forget you are wearing it.
How effective is an oral appliance?
When used correctly, most patients with mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea can see up to a 90% improvement in their symptoms. This is partly due to the higher compliance rate. Many people stop using their CPAP after a short time because it can be bothersome. Research has shown people who use an oral appliance are more likely to continue their treatment, benefiting from long-term relief. Committing to your treatment plan laid out by your dentist in North Raleigh will prevent pauses in your breathing to protect your health while improving your sleep quality.
Consult Your Dentist Today
Don’t wait to seek treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Lisk can help you regain the sleep you deserve with a removable oral device. We warmly welcome patients from North Raleigh and all surrounding areas. Request your appointment today!