Sleep Apnea Treatment In Irving, Plano and Desoto, TX

Snoring lightly from time to time is fairly normal, but loud, frequent snoring could mean that you have a condition called sleep apnea. Since this condition can raise your risk of several health problems, including heart disease, it’s important to have it diagnosed and treated. At Signature Smiles, Dr. Naren Mikkilineni provides dental treatment for patients in Irving, Plano and Desoto, Texas, who struggle with sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep Apnea Treatment

Restful Nights Await: Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

It is crucial to consult with your dentist about sleep apnea, as they can provide valuable assistance in effectively managing the condition. Sleep apnea dentistry can help you accomplish two goals at the same time – control of your condition, and good oral health. If you are looking for a sleep apnea doctor near me, you should contact the Signature Smiles dental clinic first.

Dr. Mikkilineni is a sleep apnea specialist who has had years of experience treating patients bothered by this condition. You can expect expert sleep apnea dental treatment at his clinic, and you can count on the very best care from any of the other sleep apnea dentists at the clinic. When you’re in need of a good sleep apnea doctor, remember the specialists at Signature Smiles.

What exactly is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a fairly serious sleeping disorder which occurs when your normal breathing is disrupted while you’re trying to sleep. It’s very common for sleep apnea patients to snore excessively, because they aren’t receiving enough oxygen. There are two primary types of sleep apnea, those being obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is more common, and usually results from a disruption to the airflow during sleep. Some health factors may contribute to causing sleep apnea, for instance obesity. Central sleep apnea is a condition which occurs when there’s a problem with how the brain communicates with muscles associated with breathing. There is no blockage of the airway, but the brain simply does not signal these muscles to carry out normal breathing. This kind of sleep apnea is more commonly associated with brain tumors or infections, stroke, and heart failure.

Sleep Apnea Plano
The risk factors for developing sleep apnea include being over the age of 40 or being overweight. It’s also possible that you have large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw. Some people may have a family history which includes sleep apnea, or they may have a nasal obstruction. Nasal obstructions can be caused by sinus problems, allergies, or in some cases a deviated septum. When sleep apnea goes untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, an irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, or diabetes.

How will my sleep apnea dentist treat the condition?

There are several different ways that sleep apnea can be treated. Your doctor may recommend using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine which will facilitate better breathing. This will usually be an effective way to improve your breathing and enhance your sleep patterns. However, it’s definitely not the most convenient or comfortable method available for treating sleep apnea. As an alternative to using this type of bulky machinery, Dr. Mikkilineni can have you fitted for an oral appliance which will be just as effective.

Assuming that your sleep apnea is in the mild to moderate category, a custom-made oral appliance can be prepared for you. All you have to do is wear this appliance during your sleep hours, and you should experience a better night’s sleep. This kind of oral appliance helps your jaw to remain more forward, and that will allow your airway to remain open. When your airway is more open and free, it promotes much better breathing. That means you won’t be constantly woken up because your body is not receiving enough oxygen.

What is the connection between sleep apnea and dental health?

There is a very definite link between sleep apnea and dental health. In fact, your dentist is often the very first person who becomes aware that you may be troubled by sleep apnea. One of the first signs of sleep apnea is grinding of the teeth. When your dentist spots this condition, he/she will generally ask you about your sleep habits, and the quality of your sleep. Grinding of the teeth can cause excessive wear on them, as well as breakage, and the gums can become inflamed or receding.

You may also experience an increase in cavities because grinding damages the teeth, and makes them more susceptible to bacteria which cause cavities. Other signs of sleep apnea which your dentist may notice are a smaller than usual jaw, a tongue which has scalloped edges, or redness and inflammation in the throat. This inflammation is frequently caused by excessive snoring, which is another hallmark of sleep apnea.

Whenever your dentist notices any of these warning signs, he/she will sometimes recommend that you undergo a sleep study. Even though your dentist may be the first to spot any of these warning symptoms, it will be necessary for a medical doctor to officially diagnose your sleep apnea.

Dr. Mikkilineni’s qualifications

Dr. Mikkilineni is a renowned specialist in cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and in handling sleep apnea patients. He is board-certified in both Florida and Texas, and holds a PhD in Dental Medicine. He is also very active in the American Association of Implant Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry. This ensures that he will constantly stay abreast of all new developments in the field of Dentistry. That’s why he is exactly the kind of dental specialist you should trust for the long-term management of your dental health.

Sleep apnea specialist near me

When you’re looking for a sleep apnea doctor near me, and you live anywhere in the Irving, Plano and Desoto, TX region, the place to go is Signature Smiles. Dr. Mikkilineni is an expert at administering sleep apnea treatment to dental patients, and this means you can be confident of receiving the best possible care. Contact us at Signature Smiles, so you can be sure that your condition is handled with respect and proper care. We’ll be glad to set you up with an appointment that will ensure your optimal dental health, now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
Since snoring happens when you’re asleep, you might have trouble determining whether or not you have sleep apnea. Other sleep apnea signs to watch for include:

  • Waking up suddenly and having shortness of breath
  • Making choking sounds during sleep
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Having a headache in the morning
  • Feeling excessively tired during the day from poor sleep
  • Having trouble paying attention
  • Feeling irritable
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
When you have sleep apnea, soft tissue blocks your airway and causes you to have several pauses when you’re breathing. This occurs when your muscles at the back of your throat become relaxed, which allows your uvula and other tissue in the area to obstruct your airway. When you have trouble breathing during sleep, your brain wakes you up repeatedly for brief amounts of time. Your risk of having sleep apnea is higher if you have certain risk factors, such as being overweight or having a family history of this condition.
Why Do I Need Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea might seem like more of a nuisance or inconvenience, but it can increase your chance of having serious health issues. Some of these include the following:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke

Sleep apnea can also be dangerous in your day-to-day life by leading to a higher risk of falling asleep behind the wheel of your car or having accidents when you’re at work. You might also make mistakes and have trouble making decisions, which could also affect your job.

How Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?
Conventional forms of treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea include using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while you sleep. While this can help you get a better night’s sleep, it’s not the most comfortable or convenient way to treat this condition. Dr. Mikkilineni can provide you with oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea instead.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Mikkilineni and Dr. Pavithra Soundarapandian can have a custom-made oral appliance created for you. Your treatment will include wearing this appliance only when you’re sleeping. These oral appliances help your jaw stay in a more forward position, which keeps your airway open.
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