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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Tacoma, WA

Restoring Restful Sleep and Improving Health

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you wake up feeling tired, experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or have been told you stop breathing during sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. 

The good news? You don’t have to live with this condition. At Petrie Advanced Dental in Tacoma, WA, we provide effective sleep apnea treatment to help you reclaim quality sleep and improve your physical and mental health.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Schedule your appointment today with our Tacoma dentist by calling (253) 761-5422. We proudly serve patients in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.

partner distubed by partner's loud snoring

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. It occurs when the upper airway muscles relax, causing a partial or complete blockage of airflow. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and may occur dozens of times per hour, severely disrupting your sleep-wake cycle.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common sleep disorder, OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax, blocking the airway.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): A less common form, CSA happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
  • Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CSAS): A combination of both OSA and CSA, also known as mixed sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Recognizing the common symptoms of sleep apnea is the first step toward diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring (often noticed by a bed partner)
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or daytime fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating or irritability
  • Frequent awakenings during the night
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Difficulty waking up feeling refreshed

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to seek help. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and endocrine disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition:

  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
  • Age: While more common in older adults, sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, including children.
  • Family History: A genetic predisposition may play a role.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use, and sedative medications can relax throat muscles, worsening symptoms.
  • Anatomical Factors: A thicker neck circumference, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow airway can contribute to upper airway obstruction.
  • Health Conditions: Obesity, congestive heart failure, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are linked to sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves:

  • Physical Examination: Our Tacoma dental team will evaluate your mouth, throat, and neck for anatomical issues like a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils.
  • Sleep Study (Polysomnography): This test monitors your sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing during sleep. It can be done in a sleep lab or through home sleep testing.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on the results, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
lady sleeping soundly with oral appliance therapy

Sleep Apnea Treatments in Tacoma, WA

There are various types of sleep apnea treatments available. We’ll go over your options and discuss which will be best suited to treat sleep apnea and meet your needs.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP is a widely used treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose or mouth during sleep, which delivers a constant stream of pressurized air, keeping the airway open.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Custom-fitted oral appliances, similar to mouthguards or SomnoDent®, can be prescribed to reposition the jaw and tongue, preventing airway obstruction during sleep.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. These may include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side rather than your back.

Mouth and Throat Exercises

Mouth and throat exercises can be a useful complement to other treatments for mild cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat, potentially reducing the severity of sleep apnea symptoms. However, these exercises may not be a standalone solution for moderate to severe OSA.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical options may be considered to address anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea. These include uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), genioglossus advancement, or mandibular advancement surgery.

Why Choose Petrie Advanced Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Here’s why you should consider our Tacoma dental office for your sleep apnea treatment:

  • Expertise in sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment
  • Personalized care tailored to your needs
  • State-of-the-art technology, including home sleep testing and SomnoDent® oral appliances
  • A compassionate team dedicated to improving your physical and mental health

Call our Tacoma dental office at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sleep apnea go undiagnosed?

Yes, many people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, often mistaking symptoms like daytime fatigue or morning headaches for other issues. Seeking professional evaluation is essential for avoiding undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Can children develop sleep apnea?

Absolutely. Pediatric sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Childhood sleep apnea can lead to symptoms like snoring, bedwetting, and excessive sleepiness.

Are there natural remedies for sleep apnea?

While lifestyle changes like losing weight and improving sleep hygiene can help, professional treatment is essential for long-term management.

Take Control of Your Sleep Today

Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of restful sleep and healthier life. At Petrie Advanced Dental, we’re committed to helping you achieve quality sleep and improved well-being. Whether you need CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle guidance, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule your consultation. Let’s work together to address your sleep apnea and restore your health. We proudly serve Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.