When you wake up, does it feel like you never went to sleep in the first place? Has your partner had to sleep in another room recently because they couldn’t stand your loud snoring? All across the country, there are over 20 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea, and if you’re part of this group, you need to take action if you want to maintain a well-rested, healthy lifestyle and enjoy peaceful nights free of snoring. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fromuth to learn more about
Sleep apnea is characterized by multiple periods during sleep where your breathing completely stops. This is commonly due to the airway being blocked by the tissues in your mouth or throat. When you can’t breathe, the body panics and partially wakes up to get some air. The awakenings are so brief you probably won’t even recall them, but they’ll be enough to interrupt the sleep cycle, leaving you feeling tired the next day. The disorder is associated with chronic exhaustion, decreased mental faculties, and numerous health problems such as heart attacks; it’s important to have it treated as soon as possible before the most severe consequences are felt.
Loud snoring is often highlighted as one of the biggest warning signs of sleep apnea. Not all snorers are suffering from sleep apnea, but if you’re snoring on a regular basis, it’s generally best to have the root cause identified as soon as possible. Other sleep apnea symptoms include:
You’ve probably heard of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) being used to treat sleep apnea. But while this treatment has been shown effective in keeping the airway open at night, many patients stop using it after a while because they find it too uncomfortable or noisy. The oral appliance therapy that Dr. Fromuth offer is far easier to wear, and it fits perfectly on your teeth. It moves the jaw forward so that your oral tissues don’t collapse and block the airway. A sleep appliance is typically effective for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea; we can help determine whether you’re a candidate for one during your initial consultation.
The cost of sleep apnea treatment depends on a few factors. When you visit us, we can share some specific numbers and help you understand your financial options, including medical insurance, low-interest financing, and our in-house membership plan. Your health is important to us, and we do not want you to be too stressed about paying for your care. You can expect us to be honest and straightforward as we assist you with the financial side of your treatment.
Dental insurance is designed to help you with issues that relate directly to your teeth and gums, such as gum disease, cavities, and more. However, sleep apnea is not a dental problem. Rather, it is a health condition that affects the upper airway. Therefore, you should not expect your dental insurance to cover treatment. Rather, your medical insurance is much more likely to apply.
Two major factors that can influence the cost of your sleep apnea treatment include:
Some people are reluctant to move forward with sleep testing and sleep apnea treatment because they are concerned about cost. However, protecting your health is truly an investment that can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
For example, did you know that untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of depression, unwanted weight gain, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more? Seeking medical treatment for such issues can be very expensive. Protecting the quality of your sleep may help to reduce or even prevent such problems, helping you to save money and preserving your daily quality of life.
Beyond medical insurance, there are a couple of provisions that might make it easier to afford your sleep apnea treatment:
Snoring is often a telltale sign of obstructive sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has a breathing disorder. Everyone snores occasionally, especially when dealing with nasal congestion. Although snoring is often normal, it isn't always something to ignore. Loud, chronic snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea. It's important to see a healthcare professional for sleep testing to either confirm or rule out sleep apnea.
Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can also increase your risk of obesity. Losing weight can reduce and reverse sleep apnea for some patients. While you work on shedding unwanted weight, it isn't a substitute for treatment. It's important to comply with your treatment plan while on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. With regular exercise and a healthy diet, you can feel your best while sleeping soundly.
Many patients see an improvement in their sleep quality and symptoms almost immediately after beginning treatment. It can take a couple of weeks to get used to using a CPAP machine, but don't give up on your treatment. In no time at all, you may forget you're wearing it. Patients often see an improvement in symptoms within the first day or two when using an oral appliance. It's a comfortable and effective alternative for treating mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It can also be used along with a CPAP, if necessary.
An oral appliance is a great option for patients who grind their teeth. The custom-fit device trains your jaw and tongue to rest in more comfortable positions. It also provides a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth to cushion friction and pressure from teeth grinding. You can sleep better while safeguarding your smile from the damage of bruxism. However, you may need replacement oral appliances more often.