Waking up tired. Struggling to focus during the day. A partner complaining about loud snoring or gasping during the night. While these issues might seem minor or routine, they can often point to a more serious condition: sleep apnea.
At Lyons Creek Dental Care in Shoreline, we take a whole-health approach to dentistry. That includes helping patients identify and manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using comfortable, non-invasive treatments that fit into your lifestyle.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This causes breathing to stop repeatedly, sometimes hundreds of times per night, often without the person realizing it. The result is fragmented sleep and chronic oxygen deprivation.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability or mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, it’s more common in adults who are overweight, have high blood pressure, or possess certain anatomical traits like a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Many people don’t realize that dentists are uniquely positioned to identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing. During routine exams, we observe airway structure, jaw alignment, and signs of teeth grinding; all of which may indicate sleep issues.
If we suspect OSA, we work collaboratively with your physician or sleep specialist to confirm a diagnosis, often using a home sleep test. From there, we can provide effective, convenient solutions right here in our Shoreline office.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative
While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a common treatment for OSA, many patients find them uncomfortable or inconvenient. Fortunately, there’s another option: oral appliance therapy.
These custom-made devices resemble nightguards or sports mouthguards and are worn during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open and prevent obstruction.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Quiet and portable—no masks, tubes, or electricity
- Often covered by medical insurance with proper diagnosis
- Highly effective for mild to moderate OSA and snoring
What to Expect at Lyons Creek Dental Care
When you choose Lyons Creek Dental Care for sleep apnea treatment, you receive comprehensive, personalized care. We take the time to understand your health history, symptoms, and goals before recommending treatment. If an oral appliance is right for you, we’ll custom-fit it to your bite and make sure it’s both effective and comfortable.
Our team regularly works with board-certified sleep physicians to ensure your care is coordinated, well-informed, and optimized for long-term success. We also monitor your progress with follow-up appointments and device adjustments, ensuring you’re getting the restful sleep you deserve.
A Healthier Night’s Sleep Starts with a Conversation
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. If you or someone you love is experiencing poor sleep, loud snoring, or daytime fatigue, it’s time to take the next step.
Contact Lyons Creek Dental Care today to learn more about dental sleep medicine or to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, North Seattle, and surrounding communities.
