Why People Love
Yvonne E. Beckford DDS, PC
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Tucker, GA
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can occur when your airway becomes blocked or when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to control your breathing. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, causing a temporary blockage of your airway. Factors like obesity, enlarged tonsils, or structural issues in the airway can increase your risk. Other causes include lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
People with sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and frequent waking throughout the night. Daytime symptoms include excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and a sore throat. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time and significantly impact your quality of life.
When to Consider Sleep Apnea Treatment
You should consider sleep apnea treatment if you experience:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring that disrupts your partner
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches or a sore throat
- Difficulty focusing or staying awake during the day
If you’re noticing these symptoms, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Beckford is the first step toward restful nights and improved health.
Your Journey to Better Sleep
Here’s what you can expect when you visit Dr. Beckford for sleep apnea treatment:
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, Dr. Beckford will perform an oral exam and review your medical history. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we may coordinate with your primary care physician to review your sleep study results.
Custom Impressions
We’ll take digital impressions of your teeth using our intraoral scanner. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your custom snoring device is crafted for a perfect fit.
Fitting Your Appliance
When your custom device is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. Dr. Beckford will ensure your appliance fits comfortably and works effectively.
Follow-Up Care
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to adjust your appliance as needed and ensure your sleep quality improves over time.
What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine involves using custom-made oral appliances to treat sleep apnea and snoring. These devices, like mandibular advancement devices, reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airways open during sleep, allowing you to breathe easily and wake up refreshed.
Improve Your Sleep Quality
Custom snoring devices help keep your airway open, allowing you to sleep soundly through the night. This can significantly reduce snoring and symptoms like gasping for air or restless sleep.
Reduce Daytime Fatigue
Poor sleep from sleep apnea often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. By improving your breathing at night, you’ll wake up feeling more rested and alert, with more energy for the day ahead.
A Simple, Effective Alternative to CPAP
For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances provide a comfortable, non-invasive option. Unlike CPAP machines, snoring devices are easy to wear and custom-fitted for your comfort.
Compassionate Care with Modern Solutions
Personalized Care
We believe every patient deserves dental care that is both gentle and effective. Whether it’s a routine checkup or an emergency, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
Flexible Financing
We offer flexible financing options, so you can get the care you need—whether it’s dental implants, a smile makeover, or urgent treatment—without financial stress.
Enhanced Comfort
Relax with our Dream Dental virtual reality technology. Enjoy a stress-free experience while we take care of your smile with advanced techniques and tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do snoring devices work?
Snoring devices, like mandibular advancement devices, gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Can a snoring device replace CPAP therapy?
For many patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance can be an effective alternative to CPAP machines, offering a more comfortable and non-invasive solution.
How long does it take to get a snoring device?
Typically, it takes two visits to receive your custom device. After your initial consultation and impressions, the device will be ready for fitting within a week.
Is sleep apnea treatment covered by medical insurance?
While we are a fee-for-service practice, we offer flexible financing options through Sunbit and Cherry to help make your treatment affordable.
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Getting treatment can significantly improve your health and quality of life.
Do snoring devices take time to adjust to?
It may take a few nights to get used to wearing the device, but most patients find it comfortable and easy to incorporate into their nightly routine.