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Sleep apnea treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment Houston, TX

Dr. Suki has advanced training in dental sleep medicine and acquired the designation of 'Qualified Dentist' from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. 
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Are you CPAP Intolerant? Do you snore at night?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, we can help you! Snoring can be a nuisance, but it can also be a sign of a much more serious condition. SDB or (Sleep Disordered Breathing) and OSA or (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) are very concerning conditions.

Did you know that in the USA, 1 in 5 adults over age 40 suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea/OSA? 25% being men and 10%-15% being female.

Why is SDB and OSA such a concern?

It is because of the medical conditions, or co-morbidities that are associated with this sleep disorder. Look at these shocking statistics:

  • 76% of patients with congestive heart failure or CHF have some form of SDB.
  • 49% of patients with AFIB or atrial fibrillation have SDB.
  • 59% of patients who wear a pacemaker are found to have SDB.
  • 37% of patients with high blood pressure, and 83% of patients with drug-resistant high blood pressure have SDB.
  • 30% of coronary artery disease or CAD have SDB.

As your dentist, I have the opportunity to examine not only your teeth and oral cavity, but to examine and assess the pharynx, tongue, tonsils and uvula (the components of the back of your throat). Along with your medical history and our Sleep Questionnaire, which is the standard questionnaire developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, we can begin to construct a sleep-apnea risk profile.

How do you treat OSA, snoring and SDB?

There are many approaches including surgical intervention, and we work with your physician to devise a plan on proper diagnosis and method of treatment. Two non-surgical approaches to treating OSA and SDB are the use of a CPAP machine (continuous positive air pressure) or a dental appliance MAD (mandibular advancement device).

CPAP machine:

You have probably heard of the CPAP or ‘continuous positive air pressure’ device which is a mask worn at night and provides pressurized air that opens the airway. This has been the gold standard for many years. Luckily, in 2006, the AASM made it official that treatment of mild to moderate OSA can be done effectively and comfortably with dental devices. This was a great relief for many CPAP intolerant patients who now have another option. Anti-snoring devices are similar to the OSA dental devices but require less follow up.

Dental Appliances

Please visit our dedicated page that discusses oral appliances for treating snoring.

So, if you suspect that you need help with your snoring (both ladies and gentlemen!), or sleep disordered breathing, please do not put this off. It is your life!

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Schedule your appointment today

Take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile today! Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at (713) 664-1004 and experience the best possible care from our experienced team of dental professionals.