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A Common, Treatable Condition
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If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, you are not alone. Some experts estimate that nearly a billion adults worldwide have obstructive sleep apnea. This sleep disorder often causes significant harm to your cardiovascular health and more. Our obstructive sleep apnea treatments can help you return to restful sleep and prevent serious health conditions.
Begin Treatment Today
If you know that you snore loudly every night, you owe it to yourself to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea is affecting your sleep. Together, you and our dentists will explore the best obstructive sleep apnea solutions for your needs. Call (260) 747-4747 or write to us now to take the first step to receiving quality care for your obstructive sleep apnea.
How We Make Sleep
Apnea Treatment Affordable
At our Fort Wayne offices, we put patients first. Your budget should not be a barrier to receiving the obstructive sleep apnea care you need. To that end, we have taken several steps to help make this treatment a fit for most budgets:
We Work With Many Insurance Providers
Many insurance plans will contribute to the cost of sleep apnea treatment. Our staff will work with your provider to secure maximum coverage.
We Accept Financing
In addition to in-house financing plans, we accept CareCredit® and Citi Health financing options that allow you to make low-interest and interest-free monthly payments on any out-of-pocket expenses.
A Closer Look at
Sleep Apnea
And How We Can Help
Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea experience a problematic collapse of the soft tissues in the upper airway during the night due to a number of potential causes, including your weight, having large tonsils, and changes in your hormone levels.
Based on a collaborative diagnostic process with a sleep specialist, our dentists may recommend that you wear a custom mouthguard during sleep that pulls the lower jaw slightly forward, keeping the upper airway open throughout the night. As a result, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and reduce the risk of heart disease and other issues that can accompany this sleep disorder. Dr. David Harrison, Dr. Keith Harrison, and Dr. Bradford Korn look forward to helping you find the best solution for your needs.
There is another type of sleep apnea called central sleep apnea, in which the brain fails to regulate breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea is a rare and much more complex condition requiring specialized care. Central sleep apnea is also considered more serious. Whether you are suffering from obstructive or central sleep apnea, we can help you get the care you need.
Hear From Our Patients
“Quick appointment. Nice, professional staff.” -Roxanne K.
The Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
There are many signs that indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea. Most often, a sufferer's partner lets them know they are snoring. You may not observe symptoms in yourself because they occur during your sleep. The following are symptoms of sleep apnea that can be identified by partners, a sleep study, or a doctor evaluation at our Fort Wayne offices:
Sleep Symptoms
- Loud, excessive snoring
- Insomnia
- Gasping for air
- Choking or snorting
- Repeated awakening
- Interruptions in regular breathing
Awake Symptoms
- Morning headaches
- Fatigue throughout the day
- Daytime sleepiness
- Sore and dry throats
- Mood swings
- Worsening depression
- Loss of libido
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
If our doctors suspect that you have sleep apnea, they will ask that you get a diagnosis from a specialist before prescribing treatment. All diagnoses are obtained with input from both the dentist and a trained sleep apnea specialist. Patients may be asked to bring home a device to measure their interrupted sleep, or they may be asked to undergo an overnight sleep study at a local sleep center.
Once the condition has been officially diagnosed, patients can then work with the dentist and doctor to achieve relief. The sooner we get started, the better.
Call or contact us to get started on a track to sleeping better soon.
(260) 747-4747
Long-Term Health Risks of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to issues in many facets of life. Some of the issues you may be suffering from can affect:
Circulatory and Cardiovascular Symptoms
Sleep apnea may cause obesity, which leads to severe health issues. Risk of heart disease and stroke are also increased by sleep apnea.
Digestive System
Sleep apnea can cause various liver issues including scarring and fatty liver disease. Sleep apnea may also lead to heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can increase sleep apnea problems.
Endocrine System
The endocrine system regulates your hormones and bodily processes. Sleep apnea compromises insulin sensitivity, which can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other risks include high blood sugar and high cholesterol.
Reproductive System
Sleep apnea is known to lower libido, or sexual desire. In addition, sleep apnea may cause erectile dysfunction.
Respiratory System
Disruptions to your upper airway deprive your body of oxygen. This can make asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. Many with sleep apnea struggle with shortness of breath and exercise.
Don't Let Obstructive Sleep Apnea Take a Toll on Your Life
You don't have to allow obstructive sleep apnea to continue to harm your health. Reach out to experienced, skilled dentists at our Fort Wayne offices to find solutions to your sleep disorder. Everything from daytime sleepiness to severe medical risk can be avoided with our help.
We conduct all of our treatments using the very latest technology and the highest quality of care for each patient. We strive to create an inviting and warm environment for each patient so that you feel comfortable and calm under our care.
Call or reach out to us online to treat your obstructive sleep apnea as soon as possible.
(260) 747-4747
A Review From a Fort Wayne Local
“Dr Price is the #1 Doctor of Dentistry ever!!!!!!!” -Stephen T.
How We Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A sleep apnea appliance keeps the airway open during the night to allow you to get restful sleep. The primary function of the appliance is to prevent soft tissues from blocking the upper airway by pushing the lower jaw forward. We will collaborate with a sleep specialist who will evaluate you with a sleep study. If we determine that an oral appliance is right for you, we will customize your appliance for maximum comfort using impressions of your bite.
In certain cases, lifestyle changes can minimize the effects of sleep apnea, either alone or in combination with an oral appliance. Losing weight and avoiding alcohol, sleeping pills, and cigarettes can often make a significant difference. Begin your sleep apnea treatment now by contacting our Fort Wayne offices.
Oral Appliance Limitations
Oral appliances work best for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. However, they may not be effective for those with severe apnea, especially if significant airway obstruction is present or if a patient has certain jaw alignment issues. Individuals with central sleep apnea, where the brain affects proper breathing, also require different forms of treatment. In these cases, a CPAP machine or more advanced medical intervention may be recommended. During your consultation and sleep study, we will help determine the most effective solution based on your unique diagnosis.
Hear From Dr. Harrison
An oral sleep apnea appliance can help you avoid a potentially cumbersome and intrusive CPAP machine. We hear from many patients that they feel very uncomfortable using CPAP machines and that they appreciate the seamless use of an oral appliance when compared to CPAP. In this short video, Dr. Harrison explains more about sleep apnea and why you might choose a dental appliance instead of a CPAP machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment
Will a Sleep Apnea Appliance Affect My Bite or Jaw Over Time?
When worn consistently, a sleep apnea appliance is safe and designed for long-term use. However, some patients may notice minor bite changes or jaw discomfort if the appliance is not properly adjusted. That’s why we provide ongoing assessments and follow-ups at our Fort Wayne offices to ensure your appliance fits well.
Is It Safe to Use an Oral Appliance Every Night?
Yes, oral appliances are intended for nightly use and are a proven, non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines for many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Regular wear is key to maintaining consistent airflow and improving sleep quality. Just like a retainer or mouthguard, it should be cleaned daily and checked during dental visits.
Can Sleep Apnea Get Worse If Left Untreated?
Absolutely. If obstructive sleep apnea is not addressed, it can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even Type 2 diabetes. It can also impair your quality of life, increasing fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive difficulties.
Another Review From a Fort Wayne Patient
“Extremely nice staff and good location. Very glad I chose this clinic.” -Austin T.
We are proud to have so many of our neighbors in and around Fort Wayne recommending us to their friends and family. If you are new to the Fort Wayne area, or if you need to establish regular care with a reputable dental practice, we would love to meet you and your family!
