Diagnosis is an essential first step in any case of a health issue. This provides answers the patient has long been searching for, and a clear path for the sleep dentist to begin treatment. When it comes to sleep apnea, getting a diagnosis also allows for a process of eliminating any other health issues which may be causing your snoring and sleep difficulties.
Approaching your sleep dentist about being tested for sleep apnea is the first step on the road to getting a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Usually, your doctor will have this sleep test either in a lab or set up in the comfort of your own home. Your sleep and breathing will be monitored through the night and the results will be examined.
If this test results in a sleep apnea diagnosis, your sleep dentist will recommend a course of treatment himself, or refer you to a specialist.
There are two common treatments for sleep apnea.
At The Sleep Apnea & Facial Pain Center, we offer our oral appliance. The SilentPartner™ is an FDA-cleared TMJ-friendly oral sleep appliance that was developed by our Bellevue dentist, Dr. Doneskey, to effectively manage snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Healthy jaw function, patient comfort, and full adjustability are at the heart of its design.
A (continuous positive airway pressure) CPAP machine is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. It is safe and highly effective. However, although it’s the most commonly prescribed treatment for sleep apnea, most patients complain that their CPAP is loud, uncomfortable, and awkward to use. Fortunately, Dr. Doneskey provides several alternatives to CPAP if you decide it isn’t for you.
Yes, CPAP therapy works! When fitted and used correctly, CPAP is an effective method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It will only work if the mask and air pressure are properly adjusted to your individual needs. CPAP must be worn each and every night, and removed and reattached each time you get up at night.
However, many patients dislike their CPAP and stop using it altogether because it’s awkward and uncomfortable. Our sleep dentist offers a quiet, small, and more convenient alternative to CPAP therapy. The SilentPartner™ Treatment is a great way to tackle sleep apnea symptoms, allowing you to get the good night’s rest you deserve.
Oral appliance therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. This oral device is custom-made to perfectly fit your unique bite, providing greater comfort and adjustability than CPAP. It’s quiet and discreet, and best of all, it doesn’t require you to wear an uncomfortable mask overnight.
While snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores suffers from a sleep disorder. If snoring is affecting your or your partner’s sleep, we recommend scheduling a consultation with your sleep dentist at your earliest convenience. He’ll assess your symptoms and determine if a sleep study is necessary.
There is a known connection between getting quality sleep and weight loss. When you aren’t sleep deprived, you have more energy to exercise, you’re more likely to eat a healthy diet, and you feel better overall.
No one wants to experience restless nights and fatigued days. If you suffer from sleep apnea, our dentist, Dr. Donesky can help. As a sleep specialist, Dr. Donesky can provide high-quality CPAP alternatives to ensure you get the restful sleep you need.
To schedule your consultation, contact our Bellevue office at (425) 646-6409 or fill out a convenient contact form below. We look forward to helping you get the full night’s sleep you deserve.