Sleep Apnea Treatment
Waking up frequently during the night can leave you feeling tired, moody, and unwell. Poor sleep can affect your health in the long run.
If you have sleep apnea, our Austin, TX, dental practice offers treatment that can provide relief and improve your quality of life.
Learn why you should visit Dr. Vincent Ip at Smile 360™ for sleep apnea treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is more than just loud or heavy snoring. Sleep apnea refers to the involuntary, repetitive interruption of breathing during sleep.
When these interruptions occur, you may struggle to breathe or stop breathing for up to a full minute. During these periods, you will shift into a lighter stage of sleep to regain your breath, significantly disrupting a full night's rest.
Types of Sleep Apnea
The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue, soft palate, or throat tissues relax and block your airways while you sleep.
In addition to OSA, people may also suffer from central sleep apnea (CSA). Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain cannot control the muscles responsible for normal respiration during sleep.
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea factors. The form of sleep apnea is also known as mixed sleep apnea or treatment-emergent central sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common among men and post-menopausal women. Several additional factors increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Obesity/excess weight
- Family history of OSA
- Large neck circumference
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
If You Suffer From Sleep Apnea You're Not Alone
What Are the Symptoms of OSA?
Patients with OSA will experience shallow or halted breathing throughout the night but are typically unaware of these effects. Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Restless sleep (insomnia)
- Snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Headaches in the morning
In addition, there are several oral health symptoms you may want to take note of:
- Eroded enamel
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Sore throat when you wake
- Dry mouth
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Scalloped or large tongue
When these symptoms persist for long periods, they can significantly interfere with various aspects of your life.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea Why Treatment Is Important
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People suffering from sleep apnea face an increased risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Cancer
Have You Noticed Sleep Apnea Symptoms? Contact Dr. Ip to Learn About Treatment
Snoring, daytime fatigue, and the associated health risks of sleep apnea can negatively impact your quality of life. The negative effects of sleep apnea can even affect your life expectancy. If you believe you may have obstructive sleep apnea, it is essential to bring it to our attention so that you can receive the treatment you need.
Dr. Ip can review your symptoms and determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you. His mini-residency training gives him a unique insight into the causes of obstructive sleep apnea and how those can be addressed. Dr. Ip can work with your physician or a sleep specialist to help ensure you get a full night's rest.
If you live in Austin, TX, and want to learn more about this sleep disorder, contact our practice online. You can also reach Smile 360 by phone.
Call Our Office in Austin
(512) 444-4746
Patient-Centered Treatment You Can Count On We Care About the People of Austin, TX
Ewan Speirs
2021
The Smile360 team are the best in town, it's just that simple. Dr Ip is meticulous in his attention to detail, quality of care and overall customer experience. The wider 360 team are always super helpful and accommodating, each are dedicated highly skilled practitioners in their own right.
View on GoogleCarolyn Knudtson
2021
Warm, welcoming, and friendly staff greeted and treated us like family! The hygienist and dentist were knowledgeable, thorough, and thoughtful. I highly recommend Smile 360. It was an amazing first dentist experience for my son. They exceeded our expectations. Thank you!!!
View on GoogleThere are many sleep medicine dentists in the state of Texas, but there are some compelling reasons why people come to Smile 360 for obstructive sleep apnea treatment.
If apneas only happen when I am asleep, how do I find out if I have sleep apnea?
Professional Sleep Study Diagnosing Your Sleep Disorder
What Is a Sleep Study?
To properly identify the characteristics of your sleep disorder, a sleep study should be conducted before any treatment is prescribed. Typically, a sleep study is conducted in either a lab or through a home test. We'll discuss which may best suit your situation during your visit to our Austin, TX, practice.
What Happens During a Sleep Study?
During the sleep study, you will be monitored using wires and sensors placed on the body for about seven hours of sleep. As you rest, crucial data will be compiled with information on your oxygen levels and other vitals.
What Happens After the Study?
This detailed analysis of your snoring and sleep patterns will provide insight into whether you suffer from sleep apnea, what type of sleep apnea you have, and the severity of your condition. Based on your needs, Dr. Ip can recommend the best treatment method for you.
Take the First Step to a Good Night's Sleep Contact Smile 360 for More Information
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, you have an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health problems. It's important that you meet with Dr. Ip to discuss your options for treatment. You may be able to experience relief from sleep apnea without a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. To learn more about treating obstructive sleep apnea, contact our practice online. You can also call Dr. Ip in Austin, TX, to schedule your visit.
Call Our Office in Austin
(512) 444-4746
You Can Rest Easy at Smile 360 Prioritizing the People of Austin, TX, and Their Health
Eryn Brooke
2021
Had the best experience with Dr.IP today. My son had to have an unexpected extraction and the whole thing went flawless. Instead of leaving with tears, my son was all smiles. Tonight before bed, my 7 year old, says "mom, Dr. Ip really is the best." 10 out of 10 in my book!
View on GoogleChristina Blaisdell
2021
I've been a patient at Smile 360 for the three years I've lived in Austin. The team is fantastic, efficient and friendly; the office is conveniently located as well as nice and comfortable; and they keep my teeth looking good! My husband is also a satisfied patient. Would recommend!
View on GoogleIf you suffer from mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you may be able to have a good night's sleep thanks to a simple device that you wear during the night.
What About CPAP Machines?
Are they better than oral appliances?
A CPAP machine refers to a popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. The device consists of a base unit and a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth. The CPAP machine pushes air through the mask and promotes continuous positive airway pressure while a patient sleeps.
Oral appliances can treat obstructive sleep apnea effectively without full reliance on a CPAP machine. We can go over your treatment options during the consultation process at our office in Austin, TX.
Ensuring Positive Outcomes Long-Term Sleep Apnea Therapy
Even if oral appliance therapy helps alleviate your sleep apnea, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain its effects. The following can help manage your snoring and other OSA symptoms for years to come.
Additional Options for Sleep Apnea Patients
What If the Appliance
Doesn't Work?
Oral appliance therapy is a conservative approach to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. While it's effective for many patients, it may achieve only limited relief for people with severe blockage of their airways.
If this is the case, the team at our Austin, TX, dental practice wants to know. You may need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT), a sleep physician, or seek dual treatment with both kinds of medical professionals.
Help Is Available
A professional evaluation by our team and other Texas sleep medicine specialists can help get a better picture of your sleep apnea. From this multidisciplinary assessment, we can develop a custom treatment plan that helps relieve snoring and improves your ability to breathe throughout the night.
Providing Solutions That Promote Wellness Helping Austin, TX, Feel Fully Refreshed
Sarah Grover
2021
These are some of my favorite humans, and I’ve actually enjoyed every visit I have had with Dr. Ip and the team here for the past 3 years. If I move out of the city I will be traveling back for my dental appointments; that’s how serious I am. 10/10 recommend.
View on GoogleKyle Eden
2021
Great visit with Dr. Ip! Finding a new dentist in Austin is tricky, happy to have found Smile 360 and Dr. Ip! The visit was thorough, educational, and easily my best dental experience!
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