If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, you may want to seek treatment:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping sensation while sleeping
- Insomnia or constantly waking during the night
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Excessive weight gain
- Irritability, memory issues, mood swings or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
- Morning headaches
In order to accurately diagnose sleep apnea, patients may be referred to a sleep specialist for a medical assessment. It is also important to consult with your dentist, who may perform an intraoral exam, which involves specialized x-rays, intraoral photos, gag reflex check, orthopedic exams, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. These tests will help us determine the most effective position for your lower jaw to open your airway. A Reason to Smile has had success treating sleep apnea with a nighttime orthotic appliance that is thinner, lighter, and more comfortable than a bulky CPAP mask. This appliance will be customized especially for you. Depending on the severity of your condition, other repositioning devices may be considered.
Call us at 208-343-1393 for a sleep apnea assessment.
