Sleep apnea treatment in Bellevue, WA

get restful, healthy sleep

Sleep apnea is an extremely common condition that affects millions of Americans of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a more severe form of sleep disordered breathing in which the tissues of the throat and soft palate relax during sleep, blocking the airway.

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a milder form of sleep disordered breathing in which airflow is limited while breathing, also interrupting quality of sleep. Left untreated, these conditions can result in a long list of serious consequences including heart attack and stroke.

Recognizing sleep apnea and UARS

Here are some common signs of sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome:

  • snoring, may be punctuated by short pauses in breathing, gasping, or choking sounds
  • daytime sleepiness
  • waking up with a headache
  • insomnia/restless sleep
  • forgetfulness
  • not feeling refreshed in the morning despite a full night's rest
  • TMJ pain
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • decreased libido
  • thyroid issues.  

Here at Smile Wellness Co., our team is trained to screen for sleep apnea.  We can administer a home sleep test (HST) and facilitate diagnosis with a MD.

If you notice any of these issues in yourself, your bed partner, or your child, give us a call at (425)455-2370.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea, snoring, and UARS

Treatment for severe apnea:

For patients with severe apnea, Dr. Su will help facilitate a referral to a sleep specialist to determine whether a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is the best treatment for you.  During sleep, these machines pump air through a comfortable face mask at a steady, positive pressure thus preventing the collapse of tissue in your throat and palate.  

Treatment for mild or moderate apnea, snoring, and UARS: 

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a primary therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients with severe apnea who can't tolerate CPAP treatment. A sleep appliance looks quite similar to a retainer or a mouth guard used for sports. Sleep appliances are custom built to move your jaw into a healthier position throughout the night. This, in turn, helps prevent the palate and throat from blocking your airway when they relax. 

Orthodontics and Oral Surgery, a more permanent solution: 

In some patients with OSA, the underlying cause is anatomical. A combination or orthodontics and jaw surgery may help resolve OSA for a lifetime without relying on a dental sleep appliance or CPAP machine. Dr. Su will screen for these skeletal issues (identifying early issues even in young children) and can refer you to specialists to provide a solution for better breathing and health.

Get A Restful Night's Sleep

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Get A Restful Night's Sleep

Contact Us