Sleep Apnea

According to The National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. Our dentists at North Pointe Dental Associates are well-versed in providing effective treatment for obstructive sleeping disorders. Obstructive of breathing while sleeping is associated with the stopping and starting of breathing during sleep due to airway blockage caused by excess tissue in the throat, nose or the back of the tongue. Often, the tissue formation is genetic.

If you suffer from obstructed sleep due to a temporary cessation of breathing, you may be at risk for developing a range of conditions associated with lack of quality sleep, including high blood pressure, memory, and concentration loss, depression, and erectile dysfunction. We offer a range of treatments that can help you overcome sleep apnea. If you suffer from a different type of sleep apnea, including central or mixed sleep apnea, our dentists will help you start the treatment process and refer you to specialists who can help.

Overcoming Sleep Apnea under Our Care

Obstructive sleep apnea is frequently treated with a specific type of dental appliance that is worn during the night to help keep the airways open. If the tongue is resting on the airway, a device is used to correct the problem. Obstructive sleep apnea can also be caused by positioning of the jaw, in which case a different type of device is used to adjust the jaw, thereby keeping the airways clear. For more complex cases, an integrated medical approach is the best option, meaning our dentists will work closely with your primary care physician, an ear, nose and throat doctor or another specialist to accurately diagnose the problem and provide you with the most appropriate treatment.

In some rare cases, surgery may be required to remove excess tissue that may be obstructing the airways. We will do our best to diagnose sleep apnea and help you overcome the adverse side effects that you may be experiencing.

If you suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, we encourage you to seek medical help as soon as possible. Our Sleep apnea specialists will administer a range of tests to detect the problem. After diagnosing sleep apnea, we will develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. Treatment will be carried out with the utmost care and focus on your comfort.