Sleep Apnea

Phone: 414-963-9440

Sleep Apnea

Feel drowsy throughout the day? Snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If so, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people don't remember it and believe they are getting a good night's sleep when they're not, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea:
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke when left untreated. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery.

Sleep apnea can be treated with oral devices — used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

If you or someone in your family suffers from sleep apnea, contact our practice.

Snoring Prevention/Airway Evaluation

While snoring is a common problem for many people, it can also be a sign of other major health complications. It can not only affect the quality of sleep of the person snoring, but also the quality of sleep of their loved ones and other family members. Luckily, at Lake Park dental, we can treat chronic snoring.

• Causes of snoring may include:
• Decreased space in the airwaves
• Excess body weight
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain sleep aides or sedatives
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?

If you snore at night, then a mandibular advancement device (MAD) may represent a solution and a better night's sleep! The MAD is a specially designed dental device that gently helps keep the lower jaw, or mandible, in a forward position, increasing the space between the airway passage and helping you breathe better so you can get a full, quiet night's sleep.

To learn more about a mandibular advancement device, contact our practice and schedule an appointment and consultation.

Nasal Breathing Therapy

Seattle Protocol

Sleep Appliance

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Inspiratory Flow Limited Breathing

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Milwaukee, WI

At Lake Park Dental, we understand the profound impact that sleep apnea can have on your overall health and quality of life. Our sleep apnea treatment services are designed to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep and improve your overall well-being. Dr. Meggie Graham and our team are committed to providing effective, personalized solutions for sleep apnea and snoring.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur 30 times or more per hour. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes blocked or collapses during sleep.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • High blood pressure

The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including:

  • Increased risk of heart disease and stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Accidents due to daytime sleepiness

Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Services

Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Evaluation

We begin with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and sleep patterns. This may include:

  • Detailed medical history review
  • Physical examination of your mouth, throat, and jaw
  • Sleep study referral if necessary
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy

For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom-made oral appliance can be an effective treatment. These devices:

  • Reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open
  • Are comfortable and easy to wear
  • Are portable and convenient for travel
  • Require no electricity or noisy machines
Combination Therapy

For some patients, a combination of treatments may be most effective. We can work with your sleep physician to coordinate care, which may include:

  • Oral appliance therapy
  • Lifestyle changes (weight loss, sleep position training)
  • CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy
Follow-up Care and Adjustments

We provide ongoing care to ensure your treatment remains effective:

  • Regular check-ups to assess the fit and effectiveness of your oral appliance
  • Adjustments as needed for optimal results
  • Coordination with your primary care physician or sleep specialist

Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea

Effective sleep apnea treatment can lead to:

  • Improved sleep quality
  • Increased daytime alertness and energy
  • Reduced risk of associated health problems
  • Enhanced overall quality of life
  • Reduced snoring, benefiting both you and your partner

Tips for Better Sleep

In addition to professional treatment, these tips can help improve your sleep:

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals close to bedtime
  • Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime
  • Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment
  • Limit screen time before bed

Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today

Don't let sleep apnea affect your health and quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Meggie Graham at Lake Park Dental to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options. Our experienced team is ready to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.

Call us at (414) 963-9440 or book your appointment online today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment

Q: How do I know if I have sleep apnea?A: Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches. A proper diagnosis requires a sleep study, which we can help arrange.

Q: Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?A: Not all snorers have sleep apnea, but loud, chronic snoring is a common symptom. If you're concerned about your snoring, it's best to get evaluated.

Q: Are oral appliances as effective as CPAP for treating sleep apnea?A: For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be as effective as CPAP. They're often preferred for their comfort and convenience.

Q: How long does it take to adjust to an oral appliance?A: Most patients adjust within a few weeks. We'll work with you to ensure the appliance is comfortable and effective.

Q: Will my insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?A: Many insurance plans cover sleep apnea treatment. Our team can help you understand your coverage and explore payment options.

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Ready to transform your dental experience? We'd love to help you feel better, look better, and be better right here in Milwaukee.

Phone: 414-963-9440