Clearwater Dental

Dr. Jerry Han, Dr. Eric Rose, Dr. Lance Rhoten

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Clearwater Dental > Services > Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea does more than disrupt sleep; It threatens your overall health and well-being.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you're struggling with signs of sleep apnea, such as chronic fatigue, loud snoring, or disrupted sleep, Clearwater Dental offers solutions to help you reclaim your restful nights. Our dentists provide personalized custom oral appliance therapy—a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP machines that can help you breathe easier and sleep better.

What Happens During a Sleep Apnea Episode?

During sleep apnea episodes, the soft tissues in your throat relax and collapse, temporarily blocking your airway. Your brain then jolts you awake briefly to restart breathing—a cycle that can repeat hundreds of times each night. This constant interruption prevents deep, restorative sleep and forces your body to work harder, potentially leading to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes.

Beginning Your Journey to Better Sleep

Your path to restful sleep begins with a thorough evaluation with our dentists at our Kennewick dental office. We'll discuss your symptoms, sleep patterns, and health history to understand how sleep apnea affects your life. Using this information and working with your doctor, we can determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Untreated sleep apnea doesn't just disrupt your nights; it has serious repercussions that put your overall health and well-being at risk. With personalized treatment at Clearwater Dental, we can get your sleep apnea under control so you can get the restorative sleep your body needs.

CPAP Alternative

For those who qualify, our custom-fitted oral appliances are designed for maximum comfort while you sleep. There are no masks, no tubes, and no noise—just a small, comfortable device that fits like a mouthguard to keep your airway open throughout the night.

Better Health

Quality sleep impacts every aspect of your health, from heart function to mental clarity. By maintaining an open airway during sleep, oral appliance therapy helps reduce your risk of serious health complications while improving your daily energy and focus.

Reduced Snoring

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. However, resolving the problem with effective treatment often addresses the reasons for snoring, providing more restful and peaceful nights for those around you.

OUR TEAM

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) range from mild to severe. Our dentists recommend treatment based on several factors, including sleep study results and overall health.

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the traditional treatment and is highly effective. However, many find the machine noisy and uncomfortable and eventually stop using it.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

While CPAP is still recommended for many moderate to severe cases, customized oral appliance therapy is an effective therapy for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. The device fits over the teeth like a mouthguard and repositions the jaw to keep the airway open so you can breathe freely.

At Clearwater Dental, we work closely with local sleep physicians to ensure you receive the safest, most appropriate care for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often goes undiagnosed because many symptoms occur during sleep. However, certain warning signs during both night and day can indicate the presence of this serious sleep disorder.

At Clearwater Dental, we understand how sleep apnea affects overall health and quality of life. We will work with you and offer personalized treatment solutions tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

Watch for these nighttime symptoms:

Loud, chronic snoring that may include gasping or choking sounds
Episodes of stopped breathing observed by others
Restless sleep or frequent nighttime awakenings
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Night sweats or excessive perspiration during sleep

Daytime symptoms often include:

Excessive drowsiness
Morning headaches
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Irritability, depression, or mood changes

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea:

Being overweight
Large neck circumference
Narrow airway or enlarged tonsils
Family history of sleep apnea
The aging process, especially after age 40
Alcohol consumption, especially before bedtime
Use of sedatives or tranquilizers

If you recognize these symptoms or risk factors, schedule a consultation at Clearwater Dental by calling (509) 783-5000. We serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA, and can help determine if you should undergo a sleep study for proper diagnosis.

Adjusting to Your Oral Appliance

Most of our patients adapt to their appliances within a few nights. We'll show you how to properly care for and adjust the device as needed to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor your progress and refine it as needed.

Your Path to a Restful Night's Sleep

Living with untreated sleep apnea can affect your nights and every moment of your day. Ready to take the first step toward better sleep? Contact Clearwater Dental at (509) 783-5000 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout the Tri-Cities area, including Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco, WA.

Get the Restful Sleep Your Body Needs