Dentist Meridian
TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA MERIDIAN
Sleep Apnea is a common and serious sleeping disorder which occurs when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
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Why People Choose Our Sleep Apnea Treatment in Meridian, ID
Dealing with sleep apnea in Meridian isn’t easy. At Silverstone Family Dental, our goal is simple, help you breathe better and finally get some real rest. Sleep apnea isn’t just snoring louder than usual. It actually cuts off your breathing, sometimes dozens of times a night. No wonder it leaves you wiped out. And if it goes on too long, it can start to affect your heart and your overall health.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Most people think of sleep apnea as “snoring really loud.” But it’s bigger than that. What’s actually happening is your breathing gets interrupted — either because your airway collapses or because your brain isn’t sending the right signals to keep you breathing steady. Every time it happens, your oxygen dips, your body wakes you up just enough to keep you alive, and boom — you’re robbed of real, deep sleep. No wonder you feel wiped out the next day.
Types of Sleep Apnea
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the “classic” one. Your throat muscles relax too much, your airway gets blocked, and suddenly you’re not breathing. Sometimes it’s just snoring, other times it’s dozens of full-on breathing pauses a night. Mild, moderate, severe — the worse it is, the more it wrecks your health.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Less common, but sneaky. This isn’t your throat’s fault — it’s your brain not telling your body to breathe when it should. Sounds strange, but it happens.
- Positional Sleep Apnea: Ever notice how some people are fine on their side but snore like a freight train on their back? That’s this one. Your sleep position can make the problem way worse.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Not sure if sleep apnea’s messing with you? Here are some red flags:
- Loud snoring, gasping, or choking in your sleep
- Waking up tired no matter how early you went to bed
- Headaches in the morning, or feeling foggy all day
- High blood pressure or added strain on your heart
- Trouble focusing or dragging through the workday
- Grinding/clenching your teeth at night (yep, that’s linked too)
Signs of Central Sleep Apnea
One of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. However, just because you snore does not mean you have obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep specialist would help determine if you are only snoring or have a deeper underlying condition.
To obtain a sleep study, your physician can refer you to a sleep study center where a significant number of electrodes will be placed on your body for monitoring during sleep. Alternatively, we can dispense a take home sleep test which will record data while you sleep. The information acquired, while you sleep in the privacy of your own home, will later be uploaded and interpreted by a board certified sleep doctor. The sleep unit will record:
- The duration worn
- Time of onset of sleep
- Efficiency of sleep
- Position of sleep
- Heart rate during sleep
- Loudness of snoring
- Apnea-hypoxia episodes
- Oxygenation levels
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Its Impact
Obstructive sleep apnea OSA doesn’t just disturb sleep—it strains other body functions too. Even moderate sleep apnea can cause fatigue, mood changes, and put stress on the heart. Severe sleep apnea has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic high blood pressure.
During deep REM or profound sleep, your airway will constrict and stop your breathing. Each descent in oxygen will cause your brain to wake you up temporarily, interfere with your slumber pattern, and drain you.
Common manifestations of OSA are:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Arrested breathing during sleep
- Waking from sleep with gasping or choking
- Acid reflux
- High blood pressure
- Frequent trips to urinate during sleep
- Awakening in morning not feeling rested
- Morning headache
- Bruxism
- Loud or consistent snoring
- Nighttime sweating
- Decreased libido
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Scalloping of the tongue
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Certain risk factors increase the chance of developing obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, including:
- Higher body mass index (BMI) or obesity
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Narrow airway structure or soft palate issues
- Smoking, alcohol use, or sedative medications
- Chronic nasal congestion (sometimes requiring nasal surgery)
- Older age or male gender
Making healthy lifestyle changes and pursuing weight loss can help reduce sleep apnea severity, but most patients require additional treatment options.
How We Diagnose Sleep Apnea in Meridian
At Silverstone Family Dental, we make it simple to diagnose sleep apnea. Options include:
- Home Sleep Apnea Testing – An at-home kit that monitors sleep efficiency, sleep position, heart rate, and how often you stop breathing.
- In-Lab Sleep Study Referral – For complex cases, a full sleep study can evaluate sleep patterns, blood oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and sleep disturbances.
With this information, we can accurately diagnose sleep apnea severity and create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Every patient is different, which is why we offer multiple treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea patients in Meridian.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous positive airway pressure is the gold standard for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers steady air pressure to keep the airway open at night. While highly effective treatment, not all patients can tolerate CPAP.
- Positive Airway Pressure CPAP Therapy – Proven to restore restful sleep and improve daytime energy.
- Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure – For patients who struggle with standard CPAP therapy.
- Alternatives for Those Who Can’t Tolerate CPAP – When CPAP therapy isn’t comfortable, we provide other effective treatment options.
Oral Appliances and Oral Appliance Therapy
For mild sleep apnea and moderate obstructive sleep apnea, custom oral appliances reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
- Quiet, portable, and easy to travel with
- Excellent oral appliance treatment response for those who cannot tolerate CPAP
- Comfortable for long-term use
Advanced Therapies
Some patients benefit from additional therapies, including:
- Oral Pressure Therapy – Gentle suction that promotes airflow and keeps the airway open.
- Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation – An implantable device that activates upper airway stimulation during sleep.
- Positional Therapy – Training and devices that encourage side-sleeping and healthier sleep position.
- Daytime Neuromuscular Electrical Therapy – Strengthens airway muscles while awake.
- Nasal Surgery or Bariatric Surgery – May be recommended for specific patients as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Drug Therapy – For rare cases where medication is appropriate.
Related Concerns: Clenching and Bruxism
Sleep apnea is often connected to clenching and bruxism. These nighttime habits can cause sore teeth, jaw pain, and chronic headaches. At Silverstone Family Dental, we may recommend an NTI appliance or occlusal night guard to protect your teeth while also improving sleep quality.
Meet Your Doctor
At Silverstone Family Dental, you’ll be cared for by
Dr. Graham Hill, who has been serving the Meridian community since 2003. Dr. Hill is experienced in helping patients find lasting solutions for sleep apnea and other dental health concerns. His compassionate, personalized approach ensures you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Why Choose Silverstone Family Dental in Meridian?
- Trusted in Meridian since 2003
- Experienced in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep disorders
- Full range of treatment options, from positive airway pressure to oral appliances
- Focus on restoring your health, energy, and quality of life through better sleep
Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep
If you’re tired of loud snoring, morning headaches, or struggling to fall asleep, you don’t have to live with it. Silverstone Family Dental in Meridian can help you diagnose sleep apnea, choose the right treatment options, and get the restful sleep you deserve.
Call us today at
(208) 943-2265 or schedule your consultation online to start your journey toward better health and peaceful nights.