Sleep Apnea Treatment - Topeka, KS

Why Choose Michel Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

• Custom Oral Appliance Therapy – Say Goodbye To Your CPAP!
• Decades of Advanced Training & Proven Clinical Expertise
• Two Convenient Office Locations in Topeka & Silver Lake

Serious Risks to Your Health

• A person with untreated sleep apnea is seven times more likely to be involved in or cause a car accident.
• Untreated sleep apnea can be a contributing risk factor in high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.
• There is a five times greater risk of dying from cancer when you have untreated sleep apnea.
• 83% of people who suffer from high blood pressure, (despite taking three or more drugs), also have sleep apnea.
• More than 35% of people who continue to suffer from high blood pressure increase their risk of heart disease.
• Almost 70% of people who have suffered a stroke have sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder that is defined as a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night's sleep. Keep in mind, there are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

A person with obstructive sleep apnea may experience shallow breathing and possibly pauses in breath, which may look disturbing. The breathing interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, per breathing episode. These disturbances cause an individual to attain restless sleep and consequently feel extremely fatigued during the day. Take a look at these signs to see if you may be a candidate for sleep apnea:

Signs of Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea

• Has anyone noticed that you gasp for air or even stop breathing while you’re sleeping?
• Do you often wake feeling un-refreshed?
• Do you sometimes feel excessively sleepy during the day?
• Has your energy and motivation decreased?
• Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

Signs of Severe Sleep Apnea

• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Have you suffered a stroke or heart attack?
• Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?

If any of the above questions pertain to you or a loved one, please contact Michel Dental at either out Silver Lake, KS office or Topeka, KS office today to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.

During this appointment, we will examine your airway using specialized non-invasive equipment. You will be referred to a sleep physician or be given an in-home sleep testing unit if your apnea appears to be mild-moderate. This is through a device called Embletta home sleep test.

Our staff will teach you how to use the Embletta and you’ll take it home that night to put to use. The next day you’ll drop it back to our office and a sleep professional will read your test results.

Next, you’ll meet with our dentists to review your results. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea and fall within the mild to moderate range (or you tried the CPAP and cannot tolerate that treatment), we will create a custom fit, comfortable oral appliance. An oral appliance looks much like a mouth guard worn for sports or an orthodontic retainer. When worn while sleeping, it maintains an opened and unobstructed airway by repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward.

Sleep Apnea FAQ’s

Are you still curious about sleep apnea? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Michel wants all his patients to have easy access to the information they need. That’s why he’s included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about sleep apnea in Topeka & Silver Lake. Read on to satisfy your curiosity!

Am I at Risk of Sleep Apnea?

It’s possible for anyone at any age to get sleep apnea, but there are some risk factors that increase your chance of this issue. Primarily, those who are male, older, and overweight with a thicker neck circumference, plus any family history of breathing issues, have a higher risk. Additionally, if you smoke regularly and excessively drink alcohol, you may have an increased chance of being affected by sleep apnea.  

Why Visit the Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Dr. Michel has extensive training and knowledge on the relationship between your mouth, neck, head, and airway. That’s why he offers sleep apnea treatment in addition to general dentistry. He understands what regular physicians don’t, which allows him to offer custom-made oral appliances for sleep apnea instead of the traditional CPAP machine. With this option, patients can enjoy easy breathing for better sleep without the hassle, noise, and discomfort of a CPAP machine.

What Does a Sleep Test Entail?

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, your first step is to complete a sleep test for an official diagnosis. Sleep tests can be done in a lab or at home based on your needs. On one hand, a test in-lab may be more accurate because you have a sleep technician monitoring your sleep throughout the night. However, on the other, you may get better results being in the comfort of your familiar home. No matter which option, a series of instruments will measure your heartbeat, oxygen levels, and breathing. From there, a sleep expert can provide a proper diagnosis.

If I’m Not Sleeping Well, Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Do you have restless nights followed by unproductive days? You may automatically assume you have sleep apnea like millions of others, however there are various sleep disorders that you could be suffering from. Restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, insomnia, sleepwalking, and more are all common disorders that you may have. The only way to know with certainty is to schedule a sleep test to get your diagnosis. From there, you can get the right treatment to count sheep with ease once more!

Will Sleep Apnea Go Away?

Unfortunately, sleep apnea won’t go away once you’re an adult, but it’s possible for this condition to disappear in children while they’re still developing. For most, sleep apnea is a condition that is managed through proper treatment. Our custom-made oral appliances relieve sleep apnea symptoms for better breathing and sleeping. You can also make healthy lifestyle choices like exercise to decrease your risk of sleep apnea. However, there are also surgical options that may lead to a more permanent fix without continued treatment.