Are you tired of being tired? Do you struggle with snoring? When was the last time you slept through the night? Sleep apnea afflicts millions of people, with many cases going undiagnosed. If you have sleep apnea or suspect you do, there are effective treatments that can help. It’s time to put an end to sleep disruptions and finally get a good night’s rest.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, in general terms, is both a sleep disorder and a breathing disorder characterized by repeated lapses in breathing during sleep. The lack of oxygen activates a survival reflex, where you wake up just enough to resume breathing. This survival mechanism keeps you alive but interrupts your sleep cycle, which prevents restful sleep. It also puts stress on your heart, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Sleep apnea is common, affecting millions of people in the United States. Many people struggling with sleep apnea are undiagnosed.

To discover how sleep apnea treatment can enhance your quality of life, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Julie Gum by calling (610) 746-0488.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea symptoms vary by patient. It’s helpful to look at the difference in symptoms that manifest both at night and during the day.

Common nighttime symptoms include:

  • Snoring
  • Frequent wake-ups in the middle of the night
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping (a partner or family member may notice this)
  • Unusual or irregular breathing patterns
  • Waking up feeling short of breath or like you’re choking
  • Restless sleep, including tossing and turning
  • Night sweats

Common daytime symptoms include:

  • Daytime fatigue
  • Sleepiness or exhaustion when you wake up
  • Morning headaches
  • Mood changes and irritability
  • Trouble concentrating

In children, symptoms may also include sleepwalking, sleep talking, night terrors, and bedwetting.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

An apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing. The muscles responsible for inhalation do not move, and the volume of the lungs does not change.

Sleep apnea is caused by:

  • A physical blockage in the upper airway during sleep
  • A problem with how the brain regulates breathing during sleep

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Anyone can develop sleep apnea, including children and adults. There are common risk factors, including:

  • A biological family history of sleep apnea
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Being older
  • Having a heart disorder or history of stroke
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids in children
  • Using sedatives or tranquilizers, which relax the muscles
  • Using opioid medications, which depress the nervous system

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three primary types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common type. It is caused by the relaxation of the muscles around the throat, which restricts the flow of air to the lungs.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) is when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling your breathing.
  • Complex sleep apnea involves a mix of both obstructive and central sleep apnea types.

Sleep Apnea Severity

The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is used to measure the number of sleep disturbances per hour, which indicates the severity of sleep apnea.

  • Mild sleep apnea (AHI of 5–15 events/hour)
  • Moderate sleep apnea (AHI of 15–30 events/hour)
  • Severe sleep apnea (AHI of more than 30 events/hour)

Your AHI can help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

A sleep apnea diagnosis requires a sleep test or sleep study. Traditionally, these were performed in a sleep lab, but today, many patients are able to perform a sleep apnea test at home.

If you are experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, you should talk to your primary care doctor. They will collect information about your symptoms, medical background, and sleep history. From there, they may refer you to a sleep specialist, who will coordinate the necessary tests to diagnose sleep apnea.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be referred to other specialists to determine the root cause.If you have signs of central sleep apnea or an abnormal heartbeat, you may be referred to a cardiologist or neurologist.

Many patients are referred to a dental specialist like Dr. Gum to be fitted for an oral appliance. If you need a sleep apnea test, our team at Gum Dental will happily refer you to a sleep doctor.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

The two most common sleep apnea treatments are the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and the mandibular advancement device.

  • CPAP is the most common treatment, as it can benefit those with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machine delivers air through a mask while you sleep, minimizing interruptions as you receive continuous airflow. The CPAP is the most reliable method of sleep apnea treatment; however, some patients find it cumbersome to sleep with and uncomfortable to use.
  • Mandibular advancement devices are more straightforward treatments that your dentist can provide. This oral appliance is inserted into your mouth like a mouth guard and designed to keep your throat open and your tongue in a forward position, promoting better breathing and eliminating snoring. Dental appliances for OSA are more comfortable than CPAP, as your movement is not restricted by being connected to a machine.

The Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

While CPAP is the most prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, 40–50% of patients who initiate CPAP ultimately choose to discontinue treatment, with many opting for oral appliance therapy.

Custom oral airway devices are the preferred treatment for better quality sleep. An oral appliance is:

  • Custom-made and more comfortable
  • Easier to use consistently every night
  • Proven effective in treating mild to moderate OSA

Sleep apnea treatment from Gum Dental can be a life-changing experience. After treatment, you can sleep soundly and wake up feeling rested.

Receiving sleep apnea treatment can give you greater energy and better cognitive function while allowing your partner to get a good night’s rest.

How Much Does a Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Cost?

The exact cost of sleep apnea treatment varies depending on your treatment plan. At Gum Dental, we work to ensure that life-changing oral appliance therapy is accessible and affordable to our patients.

To learn more about the cost of a custom sleep apnea oral appliance, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gum. She can provide you with complete pricing information and answer any questions you may have so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?

Your custom oral appliance can be billed to your medical insurance.

Why Choose Gum Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Dr. Julie Gum is a dedicated and compassionate dentist with extensive training and years of experience treating sleep apnea. She knows how important it is for patients struggling with the consequences of poor sleep quality to have speedy access to effective treatment.

Dr. Gum prioritizes high-quality care and an efficient process:

Step One: At your complimentary consultation, a scan of your mouth will be sent over to a lab so your custom device can be ordered right away.

Step Two: Your device will be ready in two to three weeks. Dr. Gum exclusively uses devices made by Prosomnus®, a leading medical device manufacturer.

Step Three: At your appliance delivery appointment, you will try on the appliance, and Dr. Gum will make sure you have all the information you need pertaining to using and caring for your new device.

And that’s it! All that’s left is to enjoy better sleep and better days ahead.

“Thank you to Dr. Gum and her amazing staff. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea. This is a serious health condition that should not be ignored. I was started on a CPAP machine. For many months I struggled with [the] mask and tubing, being uncomfortable. I could not find a comfortable position to sleep. My mouth was always dry and disturbed my sleep. The extra care of equipment was another task added to my daily routine. The transporting of the equipment [was] one more thing to remember while traveling.

I was reading the Nazareth Key newspaper and found Dr. Gum’s information on oral appliances for sleep apnea. I was so excited; I called the office immediately. The office staff were very polite and very knowledgeable. I made an appointment to be fitted for an oral appliance. Dr. Gum was very patient and very highly educated. Follow-up appointments were to ensure that I and the appliance were comfortable. I purchased a health monitoring watch to monitor my blood pressure and oxygen levels.

The team approach of my care team members was amazing, all to benefit the patient. I finally have peace of mind and a good night’s sleep.” –Deb

Dr. Gum has helped many patients transform their lives with improved sleep. Let us help you next.

Sleep Apnea FAQ

What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?

This is not a good idea. If your sleep is constantly interrupted by lapses in breathing, your risk for dangerous health issues like strokes and heart disease is significantly increased. Additionally, excessive drowsiness caused by sleep apnea can cause problems concentrating and can even lead to accidents at work or while driving.

What are the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?

Sleep apnea treatment improves your quality of sleep, which can powerfully enhance your quality of life. Some of the benefits of getting sleep apnea treatment include:

  • More restful sleep
  • Lower risk of heart problems
  • Lower risk of stroke
  • Better management of diabetes
  • Reduction in daytime sleepiness
  • Longer life expectancy

Is an oral device better than a CPAP machine?

It depends. Oral appliances often work better for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases. That said, for patients who find the CPAP machine too uncomfortable or too noisy and stop using it altogether, an oral appliance is worth considering.

Does sleep apnea ever go away?

Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that usually does not resolve on its own. However, ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments can help you manage symptoms, feel more rested, and reduce risks associated with the condition.

Want to Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment in Pennsylvania?

If you are struggling with sleep apnea or suspect you may have sleep apnea, Dr. Julie Gum and the team at Gum Dental can help. To learn about sleep tests, sleep apnea treatment options, and more, call us today at (610) 746-0488 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. It’s time to get the rest you deserve!