Getting the Treatment You Deserve
We understand you want to sleep peacefully with no interruptions and feel refreshed in the morning. If you’re dealing with sleep apnea or disruptive snoring, obtaining a diagnosis and pursuing treatment is essential to improving your quality of life.
In our Greensboro, NC, dental practice, Dr. Mark Katz and our dedicated team stand ready to assist you in reclaiming restful sleep. Explore the range of options available for achieving optimal sleep by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Katz at (336) 364-8988.
Why Choose Dr. Katz for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Sleep apnea is a serious medical concern that, when left unaddressed, can lead to significant health risks such as strokes, heart attacks, and even automobile accidents. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, reaching out to Dr. Katz is crucial. He’s dedicated to ensuring you receive the necessary diagnosis and appropriate treatment to safeguard your well-being.
While we commonly associate sleep apnea with heavy snoring, they’re separate conditions. However, Dr. Katz can treat your snoring, even if it’s unrelated to sleep apnea. He has years of experience handling both snoring and sleep apnea.
A trailblazer in the realm of snoring treatment, Dr. Katz offers innovative and convenient solutions to address your concerns. His journey with snoring treatment dates back to 1982, when he responded to a patient’s request for a remedy. With decades of experience in assisting individuals with heavy snoring, Dr. Katz is your ideal dentist for achieving relief and restoring peaceful nights.
Your Initial Consultation for Accurate Diagnosis
Dr. Katz prioritizes the well-being and holistic health of our patients through personalized care for sleep apnea and snoring. To initiate the process, Dr. Katz conducts a thorough examination of your oral structures and discusses pertinent aspects of your lifestyle and sleep patterns.
Upon determining your eligibility, the next critical step is a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea. While our Greensboro patients have the option to undergo a sleep study at a dedicated laboratory, many find the convenience of an at-home sleep study preferable. If you opt for the at-home study, you’ll simply return the device afterward, and the results will be interpreted by a qualified sleep technician.
It’s important to note that a formal diagnosis of sleep apnea must be provided by a physician. Fortunately, Dr. Katz collaborates closely with a select group of sleep apnea specialists who can deliver the necessary prescription for tailored treatment.
Exploring Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Once you’ve obtained a prescription from a physician, Dr. Katz can begin tailoring a personalized treatment plan for your sleep apnea. Here are some of the treatment options available:
CPAP Machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are considered the primary treatment for severe sleep apnea. These devices deliver a continuous stream of warm air down the throat during sleep to keep the airway open. However, some patients find the CPAP mask uncomfortable and restrictive, leading to discontinuation of use in more than half of patients within a year.
Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are custom-fitted mouthguard-like devices that offer a convenient and electric-free alternative for treating sleep apnea. Oral appliances work by repositioning the jaw or tongue to improve airflow during sleep, effectively reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. Dr. Katz will use your physician’s prescription to create a tailored oral appliance that fits comfortably in your mouth.
Surgery
In certain cases, surgical intervention may be recommended to address sleep apnea. Surgical procedures can involve the removal of tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissue obstructing the airway, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve breathing during sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cure for sleep apnea?
Surgery is typically the only way to cure sleep apnea. However, the procedure is invasive and is only used as a last resort. Fortunately, a qualified sleep dentist can treat your sleep apnea before surgery is even considered.
If you’re experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, schedule a consultation with a qualified sleep dentist. During your consultation, they will examine your symptoms and determine if you would benefit from a sleep study. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we can begin treatment right away.
What happens if sleep apnea goes untreated?
If sleep apnea is left untreated, it can cause serious health consequences. Long-term health complications include:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Alzheimer’s disease
If you believe you have sleep apnea and want to get treatment as soon as possible, contact a qualified sleep dentist to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, they will evaluate you and discuss your symptoms to determine if you need to undergo a sleep study for a diagnosis.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
To diagnose sleep apnea, a sleep study is necessary. You can opt for either an in-office or at-home study for convenience. After the test, the physician will inform you of the diagnosis. If sleep apnea is confirmed, a sleep dentist will offer oral appliance treatment. If it’s just snoring, they can provide solutions for quiet nights.
Will my dental insurance cover oral appliances?
Most insurance companies cover at least a portion of the expenses. We suggest contacting your provider before your appointment to get a better understanding of your coverage. You can also ask your sleep dentist if they provide financing options.
Start Your Treatment Today for Better Sleep!
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to improve your condition without CPAP therapy, Dr. Katz can provide you with CPAP alternatives. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Katz, call our Greensboro office at (336) 346-8988.
You can also fill out our online contact form below, and one of our staff members will get back to you promptly. Dr. Katz treats patients in Greensboro and surrounding areas such as Winston-Salem, Whitsett, Summerfield, and Kernersville, NC.