Florida Dental Sleep Disorders Blog

is a condition where a person experiences brief lapses in breathing while they are asleep, and it tends to occur more often in older adults. This is especially true for those who wear dentures, as a lack of teeth can cause the muscles in the mouth and throat to decrease in size, making it much easier for the airway to become blocked during the night. For patients who need treatment for their sleep apnea or are looking for a CPAP alternative in Vero Beach, oral appliance therapy offers a simple and effective solution, but can it help a patient with dentures? We shed light on this subject today. (more…)

Last year was marked by the passing of numerous well-known people, but two in particular caught the eyes of sleep doctors around the nation. Carrie Fisher of Star Wars fame showed symptoms of sleep apnea just a few days before her death, and earlier that same year, noted Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead right next to an unplugged CPAP machine, something that is specifically used for the treatment of sleep apnea. Both of these situations raise the question, “Can sleep apnea actually be fatal?” In most cases, people seek out treatment for sleep apnea simply because they often feel exhausted during the day, but in reality, the condition can easily turn deadly if left untreated for a long time. (more…)

Last year was marked by many beloved celebrities leaving us, and right when the world thought we had made it through, Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27^th. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office, sleep apnea was definitely a factor in her death, contributing to cardiac arrest. Sleep apnea is a very serious disorder, and while most symptoms like snoring and exhaustion aren’t fatal, ultimately it can take someone’s life. The key to avoiding this is getting the appropriate treatment, and it all starts with recognizing the early signs of sleep apnea. (more…)

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you have multiple treatment options. While CPAP therapy is still the most widely prescribed, oral appliance therapy is quickly becoming the most popular because it is simpler to use and more comfortable for patients. Oral appliances are provided by specialized doctors called sleep dentists, and today, we’re going to cover the different kinds of appliances they use for sleep apnea treatment. (more…)

Dentists have been helping people get relief from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using oral appliance therapy for years, and when patients learn about this, many assume they can just call up a dental office and pick up an appliance that day. Unfortunately, this is not quite how the process works. There are a multitude of steps a person must take in order to get an oral appliance and ensure that it is the right treatment for them. What are they? How can you start? Today, we’ll walk you through the process step by step so you can know exactly how to get sleep apnea treatment. (more…)

After talking to your doctor and having a sleep test performed, you’ve found out that you actually have obstructive sleep apnea. This is both good and bad news because your sleep has been a problem for a while now, and you’re just happy to know why, even if it means that you have a serious disorder. Now comes the matter of treatment, or more specifically, paying for it. You have insurance, but you don’t actually know if they cover sleep apnea treatment or not. Dealing with insurance companies can be a confusing process, so today, we’re going to answer a few basic questions to make it easier for you to afford the treatment you need. (more…)

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’re probably very aware of the impact it can have on how you feel throughout the day. Waking up in the morning is always a challenge, and it’s difficult for you to focus at work while you’re yawning all day. These effects are pretty well known, but did you know it could also be affecting your weight? It’s true! Today, we’re going to share how sleep apnea can sabotage your diet and make you pack on the pounds even if you diet and exercise regularly. (more…)