Sleep Apnea Treatment – Arlington, TX

Sleep Better, Feel Better

Millions of people across the U.S. struggle with sleep apnea. This dangerous condition can not only make you feel tired, but it can also have an adverse effect on your daily quality of life and your overall health. Fortunately, sleep apnea in Arlington is highly treatable. Here at South Arlington Dental Care, Dr. Shah and our team are proud to offer the innovative Vivos protocol. Read this page to learn more about sleep apnea and your treatment options, and give us a call when you are ready to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose South Arlington Dental Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Innovative Vivos Protocol Provides Long-Term Relief

Experienced & Knowledgeable Dentist

Friendly & Empathetic Team

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night. These pauses disrupt the sleep cycle and can lead to numerous health risks. There are a few different types of sleep apnea, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is caused by tissues in the back of the throat that block the free flow of air. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper breathing signals to the respiratory system.

Some common symptoms of OSA include:

Loud, frequent snoring
Observed pauses in breathing
Mood swings
Daytime fatigue
Frequently waking up with a headache or sore throat
Difficulty concentrating

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea may seem like a harmless annoyance at first. However, it has several potential — and very serious — consequences that many people do not know about:

Health risks. OSA is strongly associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia.
Impact on relationships. Snoring can put a strain on intimate relationships. Plus, sleep apnea may cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Increased risk of accidents. Daytime fatigue can impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Individuals with sleep apnea are more likely to be involved in collisions.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

While sleep apnea and the problems it can cause are very serious, the condition responds very well to treatment. There are multiple methods that have all proven successful over the years, and choosing the right one will be determined by your needs, Dr. Shah, and a sleep physician. In addition to making lifestyle changes that can directly influence the condition (such as losing weight, improving sleep hygiene, or cutting back on tobacco/alcohol use), three of the most common treatments include:

Oral Appliance Therapy

young woman holding Vivos appliance

Here in our practice, Dr. Shah is proud to offer the innovative Vivos protocol for OSA sufferers. This unique treatment strives to address the root cause of airway obstructions — abnormalities in the structure of the throat and mouth that make it easier to become blocked. All a patient has to do is wear a custom-made appliance (that looks like a retainer) to bed, and this will slowly change the orientation of their oral tissues over time.

For many patients, such tissues can be gently remodeled over the course of 12 – 24 months. This process is often accompanied by an exercise regimen that trains the patient to properly use the muscles of their upper respiratory system. In many cases, this leads to a dramatic reduction of sleep apnea systems, and sometimes, a complete abatement of symptoms.

CPAP Therapy

man sleeping while wearing CPAP machine

A CPAP machine is the most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatment. The way it works is very simple. A patient wears a facemask to bed, and it is connected to an air pump. This creates a steady stream of oxygen into the throat that prevents a patient’s airway from closing throughout the night.

While effective, many patients dislike their CPAP and do not use it as often as they should because of factors like discomfort, noise, and overall inconvenience (the device often needs to be cleaned and disinfected). That’s why many patients instead opt for oral appliance therapy, like the Vivos system. Instead of having to literally plug in a bulky machine to sleep, they simply pop in a small mouthpiece, and that’s it.

Combined Therapy

young woman sleeping using combined therapy

Combined therapy involves a patient wearing an oral appliance to bed while also using a CPAP machine. Instead of a full facemask, usually the patient only needs to wear a nasal mask with this setup. This approach is recommended for patients who are not satisfied with the results they get from either standalone treatment. It offers the comfort and convenience of oral appliance therapy as well as the reliability of a CPAP. Also, combined therapy allows a patient to turn their CPAP to a lower setting, reducing the noise and sensation of air moving into the throat. Plus, if a patient has to travel for any reason, instead of just leaving their CPAP at home (which most do), they can just take their oral appliance.

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