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Dakota Dental and Wellness Center, A Different Kind of Dentistry

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a chronic sleep disorder caused by obstructed airway clearance. The term “apnea” refers to the pause in breathing patients experience when their airways remain closed instead of opening to receive and transfer a healthy flow of oxygen to the brain and muscles during sleep.

Dakota Dental offers patients a removable oral appliance for sleep apnea to help treat the underlying orofacial condition that may be causing patients to experience sleep-disordered breathing.

If you or your child is experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, contact our team for more information. We can discuss the advantages of a sleep study as well as cost, insurance coverage, and various sleep apnea treatment options.

Contact Dakota Dental Today!

Sleep Apnea Symptoms:

Here are just a few ways sleep apnea can interfere with daily life

  • Slower Reaction Time
  • Daytime Exhaustion
  • Difficulty Waking Up 
  • Increased Risk of Injury Due to Clumsiness
  • Chronic Headaches
  • Impaired Memory & Focus
  • Inability to Concentrate at Work or School
  • Low Cognitive Scores

Sleep apnea can also affect your oral and dental health. The dry mouth it causes can lead to cavities. Middle of the night teeth grinding can wear down enamel and chip teeth. Finally, people diagnosed with sleep apnea are 3x more likely to have TMJ.

Is Sleep Apnea Serious?

OSA affects more than 18 million adults and up to 20% of children in America (National Sleep Foundation). When patients are deprived of oxygen and regenerative sleep, they begin to experience changes in their mental health (e.g., mood changes, ability to focus, or low energy levels), as well as physical well-being (e.g., blood pressure, heart disease, poor cardiovascular health, rapid weight gain, or diabetes).

It can also affect your oral health, which is why our Dakota Dental team is committed to helping patients suffering from this condition. Read our blog on the topic: How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Teeth.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

There are a couple of ways to treat sleep apnea. Traditionally, dentists will prescribe Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy to help manage the condition, but other options exist.

Sleep Apnea Treatment without CPAP

Alternative treatments for sleep apnea in adults and children include removable oral sleep appliances. These devices include upper and lower removable trays connected through a stable hinge. The machine raises the lower jaw to open the airways, improve proper breathing, and help patients get restorative sleep. 

Dakota Dental also offers over-the-counter sleep products to address obstructed airway clearance.

FAQs About Dakota Dental’s Sleep Apnea Treatments

How Can I Request a Dental Device for Sleep Apnea?

The team at Dakota Dental will happily discuss sleep apnea symptoms and help you request a sleep study. Once you receive a medical diagnosis from the Sleep Physician, we can discuss which sleep apnea treatment is best for you.

What Can I Expect During Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Graphic of a CPAP machine for sleep apnea treatment.

Once a diagnosis is received, the doctors will digitally scan or impression your teeth for your removable oral appliance. Approximately two weeks later, we’ll fit you for your removable device, which you will wear nightly. During treatment, our team will assess your progress and discuss any concerns to determine whether it needs adjusting.

How Much Does an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Cost?

Costs can vary from patient to patient. Before you’re charged for your device, we’ll discuss costs and fees so you’re comfortable moving forward. 

Does MHCP cover Sleep Apnea? 

Yes! In many cases, Minnesota Healthcare Programs cover sleep apnea treatments. Want to learn more? Check out their page on the topic. Sleep studies and oral appliances often have insurance coverage by major medical insurance, including Medicare. To find out your insurance coverage, talk to our team. 

Twin Cities Sleep Apnea Treatment

We’re proud to offer sleep apnea treatment in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. Learn more about Dakota Dental’s sleep apnea treatment options with an in-office consultation, and get a good night’s sleep.

Schedule Your Consultation Now!