In our last blog, we talked about how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could cause you to stop breathing, interrupting your sleep cycle and even straining your immune system and cardiovascular system. But how do we diagnose the issue and offer treatment? In today’s blog, your Celina, TX, dentist talks about our home sleep test!
The Warning Signs to Watch For
First, we would once again like to talk about the common symptoms patients often report. People tend to suffer from chronic snoring, waking up gasping for air or choking, or waking up with dry mouth. Headaches, drowsiness, and moodiness are often reported during waking hours as well. If you have encountered one or more of these potential symptoms lately, please let us know. The sooner we can diagnose the issue, the sooner we can prescribe treatment to restore your ability to rest easy and enjoy a better quality of life.
The Home Sleep Test Process
We start with a thorough airway screening, with the results sent to sleep experts at sleeptest.com. Next, the results are processed and examined. If you qualify for a home test, we will have one sent to your home. There will be detailed instructions for activating the machine, which sits at your bedside and measures issues like breathing cessation and blood oxygen levels. The results enable us to thoroughly diagnose the presence of OSA, and to then recommend the most appropriate treatment.
What Happens Next?
Typically, people receive treatment with the CPAP machine. They wear a mask over their nose and mouth, which is connected to a machine via a plastic hose. The machine pumps air to ensure you don’t stop breathing. However, the machine is loud and often uncomfortable. Instead, we take detailed impressions and images of your entire smile. This information is then used in a dental lab setting to design your oral appliance. Instead of a loud machine, we send you home with a mouthguard-like device that is worn as you sleep. The device then repositions the jaw to keep airways open, so you breathe with ease. You can also help by sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol or caffeine before bed, maintaining a good sleep schedule, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. If you have any questions about the process, or about the value of a good night’s rest, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Celina, TX Dentist’s Office About Our Home Sleep Study
We want to help you rest easier by treating your sleep issues with an oral appliance inside of a CPAP machine. To find out more about treating serious nighttime disorders like OSA and chronic snoring, contact your Celina, TX, dentist, Dr. Newton, by calling (214) 851-0130. We want to help you enjoy a healthy smile and better quality of life in 2021!
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