Sleep Apnea Therapy – Vero Beach, FL
Enjoy Better Mornings & Better Days
You turn off all electronics an hour before bed, lie down at 8 PM, and avoid caffeine entirely, but you still wake up every morning feeling like you have not slept at all. Even worse, your partner says you snore loudly every single night, meaning they feel tired all the time, too! If any of this sounds familiar, then you may have sleep apnea, a serious disorder that can rob you of your rest and even your health if left untreated. At Premier Dental in Vero Beach, Dr. Adam and Dr. Giuliana offer services to help patients overcome both of these problems. Continue reading below to discover how you may be able to enjoy better mornings and better days.
Why Choose Premier Dental for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Custom Oral Appliances Made for Each Patient
- Able to Address Even Persistent Snoring
- Viable Alternative to CPAP Therapy
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when a person stops breathing, or has periods of reduced breathing, multiple times during sleep. These episodes, known as apneas, can occur dozens or hundreds of times in a single night!
There are two main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when tissues in the throat block the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain fails to send proper breathing signals. OSA is much more common than CSA.
Some symptoms of OSA that you should look out for include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Daytime exhaustion
- Mood swings and depression
- Reduced concentration and slowed reaction times
- Waking up with a headache or sore throat
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
On the surface, it might seem easy to conclude that sleep apnea is nothing more than a nuisance. However, the reality is that this condition can have big consequences:
- Poor sleep quality is associated with an increased risk of numerous health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, unwanted weight gain, and more.
- You may find that your relationships suffer. Exhaustion, mood swings, and the sexual dysfunction that sometimes occurs with OSA may make it difficult for you to enjoy meaningful relationships with others.
- You are at an increased risk of being involved in an accident. Countless motor vehicle accidents are caused every year by individuals who are tired behind the wheel.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
CPAP therapy is a popular way to address sleep apnea; it uses a machine that forces pressurized air down the throat, thereby keeping the airway open. Unfortunately, many patients find it difficult to comply with CPAP treatment because it can be uncomfortable.
Here at Premier Dental, we offer a convenient alternative to CPAP. A custom oral appliance can slightly reposition your lower jaw during sleep, which can help to keep your airway open and prevent disruptions in breathing. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, noiseless, and highly portable. Many patients find them to be comfortable as well.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The cost of sleep apnea treatment depends on a few factors. When you visit us for a consultation, we will be able to share some specific numbers with you. We will also be happy to talk to you about your payment options, such as financing and insurance. It is important to remember that even though sleep apnea treatment can seem pricey, it is an investment that can protect your health and save you money in the long run!
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dental insurance covers services that relate directly to the health of your teeth and gums. Since sleep apnea is a systemic condition, you should not expect your dental insurance to cover treatment. Rather, you are much more likely to receive help from your medical insurance. Usually, testing, diagnosis, and treatment are all covered.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The two biggest factors that will influence the cost of your sleep apnea treatment include:
- The type of treatment you undergo. CPAP therapy and oral appliance therapy are popular treatment options. They can have varying prices.
- Your insurance coverage. Our team can help you understand how your plan may apply. We can also file claims on your behalf and help you seek preauthorization if possible. You may be responsible for paying a deductible and copay/coinsurance.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
Sleep apnea treatment is an investment that can benefit both your health and your wallet in a couple of major ways:
- Treatment can reduce your risk of serious diseases. Sleep apnea comes with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and other serious conditions. Treatment may help to delay or prevent the onset of such issues, which can reduce medical bills throughout your lifetime.
- Treatment can reduce your risk of an accident. After you start getting high-quality sleep, you will be more alert behind the wheel. Therefore, you will be less likely to be involved in a painful and expensive car accident.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
Beyond insurance, there is another provision that might make it easier to afford your sleep apnea treatment: financing. Most patients are eligible for a low-interest or no-interest payment plan through CareCredit, a third-party lender. Our team can walk you through the application process if you wish; you might be approved very quickly!
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Many patients are surprised or confused to learn that the same dedicated experts who care for their teeth and gums can also help them get a solid night’s sleep. However, our Premier Dental providers are familiar with different systems that can impact or be affected by your oral health, including the back of your mouth and upper respiratory area.
For instance, the most common of these disorders is obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when your upper airways become blocked while you’re snoozing, reducing or interrupting your breathing altogether. Our team can help with oral appliances or other solutions to treat the underlying issue so that you can rest soundly.
Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?
You might think you must surely have a serious issue requiring treatment if you snore, wake up feeling drained, experience mood swings throughout the day, or show other signs of sleep apnea, However, these and similar symptoms can also be caused by many other medical and psychiatric conditions, so you must first receive an official diagnosis before we can help.
Although our team can treat your sleep apnea symptoms, only a sleep doctor can diagnose your condition. You must undergo a sleep study with a professional who is qualified to translate the results and officially identify the type of sleep apnea you have. Then, our team can use the diagnosis to help determine ways to address it.
How Long Are Sleep Apnea Events or Episodes?
Did you know that the average person goes through four to six repetitions of their sleep cycle per night? Each recurrence consists of four different stages; 3 of non-Rapid Eye Movement (non-REM) followed by 1 of REM sleep. Typically, each cycle lasts anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes and then repeats. Your body uses each step to regenerate cells and rejuvenate your bodily systems so that you can function at peak health the next day.
Sleep apnea episodes can last anywhere from 10 seconds up to 2 minutes, and occur 5 to 30 times during each hour of rest. A sleep apnea test can reveal how frequently it’s happening to you, and therefore, how serious your condition is. 0 to 15 events per hours is categorized as mild, while 30 or more is severe.
Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance typically does not include sleep apnea diagnosis or treatments, but many medical policies provide some form of coverage. Even if you choose us to provide your oral appliance or CPAP machine, we’ll bill your medical insurance to help reduce the personal cost to you. Your plan might even contribute to the cost of your sleep study, but there’s no guarantee, so it’s worth checking your information.
Please let us know if you’re unsure whether your sleep apnea treatment is included. Our friendly office staff is familiar with many providers and can help you maximize your available benefits.