Sleep Apnea Therapy

Addressing sleep apnea requires a diagnosis and referral from a physician.

Take a look at these symptoms:

• Chronic snoring
• Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
• Long pauses in breathing while asleep
• Experiencing constant exhaustion when awake, no matter how much you slept the night before
• Waking up with a headache or sore throat

If they sound familiar, there’s a good chance you might be suffering from a serious condition known as sleep apnea. While snoring can be an annoying habit (especially to your partner), it’s often harmless. Snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea, though. Sleep apnea is a condition that severely restricts breathing during asleep. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems down the road. 

Although our practice primarily focuses on the oral health of you and your family, we also care about your overall wellbeing and comfort. That’s why Dr. Nomie and Dr. Donnelly offer dedicated sleep apnea therapy at their Happy Valley office. Don’t let a lack of restful sleep dull your smile a day longer!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the muscles that control your tongue and throat relax. This causes the soft tissue at the back of your throat to sag, narrowing your airway. For patients who suffer from sleep apnea, this skin can block the airway entirely, causing your brain to register the lack of oxygen and trigger a momentary awakening to correct the problem. This can happen up to hundreds of times a night. What's more, many of those experiencing them don’t even realize it because they go back to sleep so quickly. However, sleep apnea can leave you feeling exhausted and distracted during your day-to-day life. It can also negatively affect your overall health.

Oral Appliance Therapy

To help patients in Happy Valley and beyond with sleep apnea, Mt. Scott Family Dental offers a choice of oral appliances (often referred to as snoreguards) that can correct the problem. Your snoreguard will be custom-made to fit your unique mouth. As you sleep, your snoreguard will prevent your airway from becoming blocked. As a result you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable, uninterrupted night of sleep.

Dr. Donnelly, Dr. Nomie, and their team are committed to providing precise, personalized care that leaves your smile healthy and happy. Contact our Happy Valley office today to learn more about sleep apnea therapy or to schedule an appointment.