Snoring can be annoying. It can keep everyone in the home, including the snorer, from getting a healthy night’s rest. Snoring can also be an indicator of sleep apnea which can lead to serious problems for your general health. At Upper Bucks Dental Arts, our focus goes beyond your smile and includes your whole body. That is why we offer sleep apnea treatments in Quakertown, PA, and even home sleep studies if needed.
Dr. Kelly Halle-Brown is a Dawson-trained dentist who takes occlusion, or the bite, and the airway, into account when diagnosing patients. This comprehensive approach to treating problems like sleep apnea offers a more accurate look at a patient’s symptoms and possible problems. A Diplomate in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Halle-Brown also has advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. She is one of few area dentists with this level of expertise and training. Dr. Halle-Brown can provide the comprehensive approach and care that you need to identify and resolve a sleep disorder that may be impacting your health and quality of life.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Quakertown, PA
Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. Since everyone’s physiology is different, no single treatment or appliance will fit each person.
Dr. Halle-Brown provides an at-home sleep study that is comparable to studies performed in a lab or hospital setting. This is the first step towards a proper diagnosis for providing appropriate treatment. During these studies, a monitor tracks oxygen levels and breathing. This information does not evaluate your sleep but evaluates your breathing patterns. It will evaluate pauses in breathing, your effort when breathing, and how shallow you breathe.
Dr. Halle-Brown also uses airway imaging before choosing sleep apnea treatment. Airway imaging allows Dr. Halle-Brown to view the entire airway structure. She takes cone-beam x-rays to get a three-dimensional image of the airway. Dr. Halle-Brown can use this imaging with results from a home sleep study to provide the right treatment customized to each patient.
If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Halle-Brown may recommend a simple oral appliance. The appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. Wearing the appliance prevents the tongue from blocking the air passage by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. Dr. Halle-Brown can take dental impressions to ensure that the oral appliance fits properly.
Treat Sleep Apnea Today
For more information on sleep apnea treatment, we welcome you to call (215) 876-0543. You may also schedule a sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Halle-Brown on our website. We are committed to helping you improve your health!