Sleep Apnea
The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Better Sleep
Sleep apnea causes you to wake up regularly during the night. Inability to stay asleep throughout the night leads to daytime sleepiness, a lack of concentration, irritability, and other negative effects. Treating sleep apnea can help you achieve a good night's rest.
Relief for Your Partner
One of the most common sleep apnea symptoms is snoring, which can keep your bed partner and the rest of your household awake through the night. Addressing your sleep apnea can help you slumber silently and keep you from frustrating the rest of your family.
Better Health
Sleep apnea is linked to multiple serious health conditions including heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Sleep apnea treatment can reduce your likelihood of developing these apnea-related disorders.
Alicia Dziob
February 14, 2017
Dr. Whidden and all the staff in the Vernon office have been absolutely amazing. For years, I've been terrified of going to the dentist, and have had several bad experiences. Dr. Whidden made me feel so comfortable, and I couldn't be happier with the level of care my teeth and I have received! :) Thanks so much!!
Warrene Haskell
October 11, 2019
These doctors are amazing. They really make you feel comfortable and are kind. I recommend them!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing regularly stops and starts during sleep. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles and other tissues in the upper airway become too relaxed during sleep, restricting the airway and causing the snoring most famously associated with sleep apnea.
In a consultation at one of our comfortable and welcoming office locations, our dentists can listen to your concerns, examine your bite, and discuss what kind of treatment is best for you. To definitively diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, we may recommend you undergo a sleep test either at home or at a dedicated sleep center. If your sleep disorder is determined to be obstructive sleep apnea, we can recommend whether lifestyle changes, CPAP, an oral appliance, or a combination of treatments will be most effective for your case.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
The first step you can take to reduce the symptoms of your obstructive sleep apnea is to lead a more healthy lifestyle. Patients who are overweight are at higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, so weight loss through diet and exercise is an excellent option for improving your nightly rest. Other changes you can make include quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can help keep the airway open throughout the night. CPAP devices work by delivering air pressure through a mask placed over your nose and/or mouth while you are asleep. This continuous positive airway pressure effectively keeps the upper airway open and allows for improved breathing, but many patients find CPAP devices overly cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Oral appliances address obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning the jaw during the night to open up the airway. The dentists at Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC, in Vernon and Coventry, CT, can precisely fit oral appliances after taking impressions and digital images of your bite. Oral appliances are many patients' preferred treatment method because of their convenience, portability, and discretion.
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC
The team of dental professionals led by Dr. Eric Whidden provides relief to patients with obstructive sleep apnea through dentistry. If you are unable to sleep soundly through the night, or if your snoring is becoming out-of-control, you probably have some form of sleep apnea.
We offer complimentary consultations and appointment times in the early morning, at lunchtime, and throughout the day. To schedule a consultation at our dental office in Vernon or Coventry, CT, and come one step closer to a full night's rest, book an appointment online or give us a call at
(860) 875-2881
Our Specialty Is Delighted Patients
"My family has been coming to this office for several years now and they are the best! Every staff member is always professional, helpful, and friendly. Their work is excellent; if you want a dentist you can trust to do the job right this is the place to come! Recently, I was in pain and they were able to fit me in. They did such a great job I was back to work a few hours later! Highly recommended." Kelley S
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
You may be living with obstructive sleep apnea if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Risk Factors
You are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea if you fall into any of these categories:
Overweight
People who are overweight are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea because the excess weight around the neck can restrict the airway.
Smokers
Smoking greatly increases the chances of developing obstructive sleep apnea because of its damaging effects on the airway.
Heavy Drinkers
Alcohol relaxes muscles, so excessive drinking can lead to throat muscles that become too relaxed more easily.
Male
Men are at least twice as likely as women to develop sleep apnea.
I was a new patient with some discomfort in my mouth, and these guys got me in right away. The dentist was knowledgeable, efficient, and very reassuring. Highly recommend. Chrstine Waddell Cachuela - 5-Star Facebook Review - March 27, 2018
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Our dentists serving Vernon, CT, and Coventry, CT, can diagnose many cases of sleep apnea. To determine if you have sleep apnea, a series of tests may be performed, including:
CPAP vs. Oral Appliances
Both CPAP and oral appliances can effectively open your airway and decrease the chances of developing apnea-related health conditions. In some cases, patients may benefit from using both CPAP devices and oral appliances at the same time. When determining what option is right for you, here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider:
CPAP
- Effectively opens the airway
- Difficult to transport
- Requires electricity
- Cumbersome straps and mask make certain sleeping positions difficult
- Noisy and disruptive for both the sufferer and his or her partner
Oral Appliances
- Effectively opens the airway
- Easily portable
- Does not require electricity
- Totally customized to fit your mouth precisely, feel comfortable, and allow unrestricted movement
- Silent
Our Dentists Are Dedicated to Finding a Treatment That Works
At Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC, our dentists are dedicated to finding a solution for your sleep apnea that works for you and can fit comfortably into your lifestyle. If we can't provide you with the appropriate treatment, we have the resources necessary to refer you to a sleep doctor we trust.
If you think you may have sleep apnea and live in Vernon, Coventry, or the surrounding area, we want to hear from you! Request a free consultation online or call us at:
(860) 875-2881
The Serious Consequences of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to a myriad of symptoms, including daytime sleepiness and snoring. However, this sleep disorder can also have a more dangerous impact on your body.
When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause problems such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular problems
- Issues with medications and surgery
This is why it's important to discuss your symptoms and any sleep problems with a professional as soon as possible.
The Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Drs. Hadden and Whidden, LLC, serving Vernon and Coventry, CT, we strive to make dentistry and wellness procedures as affordable as possible. The average cost of sleep apnea treatment is $4,250. Keep in mind that this price will vary from case to case based on a variety of factors, including what kind of tests are needed to diagnose your condition and the type of treatment you select.
We are happy to offer consultations free of charge and can discuss the costs of sleep apnea treatment once we have a more complete understanding of your situation. For any costs that are not covered by insurance, we are happy to provide financing options through CareCredit®.
Understanding Central Sleep Apnea A LESS COMMON FORM OF SLEEP APNEA
What Is Central Sleep Apnea?
Central sleep apnea is a more serious kind of sleep apnea that has similar symptoms to obstructive sleep apnea, but is more difficult to treat.
Like obstructive sleep apnea, this sleep disorder causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing as you sleep. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing, lowering your oxygen levels. Once your oxygen levels get low enough, your brain wakes you up so you can restore them.
Who Is Affected by Central Sleep Apnea?
This less common form of sleep apnea typically occurs in patients who have had a stroke, heart failure, or neuromuscular disease. Central sleep apnea can also occur in people suffering from heart disease, kidney disease, or lung disease.
What Can I Do About Central Sleep Apnea?
Treatment options for central sleep apnea include treating existing medical conditions, using a device to help you breathe, or using supplemental oxygen.
Though our offices in Vernon, CT, and Coventry, CT, can treat obstructive sleep apnea, it may be necessary to see a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine to treat central sleep apnea. We can refer you to a sleep doctor we trust.
