Airway Evaluation/Sleep Testing - CORAL SPRINGS, FL
Prevent the Repercussions of Disordered Sleeping
Schedule NowRestore Restful Nights and Protect Your Health
If you snore loudly, suffer from insomnia, and/or feel tired, stressed, or moody during the day, sleep testing in Coral Springs, FL is the first step to restoring a good night’s rest and protecting your health. Most people are unaware they’re having issues breathing while asleep and even if they do, can’t judge the severity of the problem.
At Alpha Dental Practice & Implant Center, our sleep study doctors are experts in sleep dentistry sleep testing and have successfully helped many patients with sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed. If you think you have a sleep disorder and are looking for a sleep apnea test near you, our caring and compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with restful relief!
What You Should Know About Sleep Apnea
Although there are two other types of sleep-related breathing disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. If you have OSA, the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat (e.g., your tongue and soft palate) temporarily relax. When the muscles relax at the back of the throat, your airway narrows or completely closes, thereby momentarily cutting off your breathing. These episodes usually last 10 seconds or more, can occur as many as 30 times or more in the span of an hour, and may temporarily minimize oxygen flow to your brain.
Common OSA Symptoms
The presence of regular or frequent tooth grinding sounds occurring during sleep and the presence of one or more of the following clinical signs: abnormal tooth wear consistent with reported tooth grinding during sleep, accompanied by temporary morning jaw-muscle pain or fatigue; and/or temporal headache and/or jaw locking upon awakening, consistent with reported tooth grinding during sleep.
- Loud Snoring
- Periodic Breathing Cessation
- Gasping for air while asleep
- Tooth clenching (bruxism)
- Morning dry mouth and headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and irritability
A Whole-Body Approach to Treatment
An estimated 22 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea and would benefit from sleep apnea tests, with a staggering 80% of cases going undiagnosed. This condition has been strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. Sleep apnea test studies have even shown associations between sleep apnea and anxiety, depression, as well as diabetes.
At Alpha Dental Practice & Implant Center, we specialize in biological dentistry, offering customized sleep apnea treatment tailored to individual needs. By assessing the severity of the problem, analyzing the upper airway structure, considering co-existing medical conditions, and respecting patient preferences, we strive to provide optimal solutions. Our comprehensive diagnostic process involves oral examinations, sleep testing, and imaging techniques like cone-beam computed tomography scans to visualize the upper airway. For mild to moderate cases, we handle sleep testing coordination with insurance reimbursement. In more severe instances, we refer patients to reputable sleep clinics for specialized sleep studies and treatment recommendations such as CPAP machines. Our ultimate goal is to identify the root cause and ensure that sleep apnea treatment aligns with the unique needs of each individual, offering improved sleep quality and overall well-being.
A polysomnogram or sleep study is a multiple-component test that electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. FDA-approved home tests can measure up to seven different factors: peripheral arterial tone, heart rate, blood oxygen level, gross motor activity, body position, snoring, and chest motion. The recordings are analyzed by a qualified sleep specialist to determine whether you have OSA or a different type of sleep disorder.
If sleep testing determines you have a mild to moderate case, we’ll recommend a custom-made oral appliance that fits over your teeth like an orthodontic retainer. The appliance brings your lower jaw forward, which widens the opening to the airway, prevents its collapse, and enables easier breathing.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is used to treat both OSA and central sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers continuous pressurized air through a mask to the nose and mouth to keep your airway open. Although a CPAP machine is the current mainstay of therapy, some patients can’t tolerate this method or aren’t willing to use it on a long-term basis.
Your Journey to Restful Health Starts Now!
Schedule a visit with our experienced team today.
