Sleep Apnea Dentist in Folsom, CA
Do you snore loudly, wake with headaches or feel tired even after a full night’s sleep? These symptoms may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly becomes restricted or stops during sleep.
At Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we help Folsom patients identify possible warning signs and explore comfortable treatment options. Dr. Sirisha Krishnamurthy has advanced training in dental sleep medicine and provides custom oral appliance therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Screening at the Dental Office
Because dentists regularly examine the mouth, jaw and surrounding structures, a dental visit can be an important opportunity to identify possible sleep-related breathing concerns.
During your screening, we may ask about:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime tiredness or difficulty concentrating
- Teeth grinding and jaw discomfort
- Previous difficulty using CPAP
A screening does not diagnose sleep apnea. It helps determine whether you should receive a comprehensive medical sleep evaluation.
Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep apnea care involves collaboration between dental and medical professionals.
Screening: Our dental team identifies symptoms and risk factors that may warrant further evaluation.
Medical diagnosis: A physician or other appropriately licensed medical provider determines whether you have sleep apnea. Diagnosis generally involves a physician-directed home sleep apnea test or an overnight sleep study.
Dental treatment: After a medical diagnosis and appropriate prescription or referral, Dr. Krishnamurthy evaluates whether oral appliance therapy is suitable for you.
This coordinated approach helps ensure that your treatment is based on an accurate diagnosis and monitored appropriately.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a small, custom-fitted device worn while you sleep. It gently supports the lower jaw in a forward position to help keep the airway more open.
Oral appliance therapy may be considered for adults who:
- Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Cannot comfortably or consistently use CPAP
- Prefer an alternative treatment recommended by their medical provider
- Travel frequently and want a compact treatment option
- May benefit from oral appliance and CPAP combination therapy
Unlike CPAP, an oral appliance does not require a mask, tubing or bedside machine. However, treatment is individualized, and an appliance is not the right solution for every patient.
What to Expect
Dr. Krishnamurthy will evaluate your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints before recommending treatment. If an appliance is appropriate, it will be selected and customized for your individual anatomy.
Follow-up visits allow us to adjust the appliance, evaluate comfort and monitor your bite and jaw health. Follow-up sleep testing may also be recommended by your medical provider to confirm that treatment is effectively managing your sleep apnea.
Medical Insurance Support
Oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea is generally processed through medical rather than dental insurance. Coverage varies by plan. Our team can help review your available benefits, explain documentation requirements and provide an estimate of anticipated costs before treatment begins.
Find Out Whether Oral Appliance Therapy Is Right for You
You do not have to ignore persistent snoring, daytime exhaustion or an uncomfortable experience with CPAP. Schedule a consultation with our sleep apnea dentist in Folsom to discuss screening, physician collaboration and custom oral appliance therapy.
Call Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (916) 237-4419 or request an appointment online.