Sleep Apnea

Snoring and daytime sleepiness may seem like common problems, but they can be indicators of a sleep disorder.

Sleep apnea decreases your quality of life and can even lead to problems like high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Our dentists at Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry in Spring, TX, provide patients with relief for their sleep apnea.

Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry has offices in Cypresswood and Auburn Lakes to make care more accessible to patients.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is the involuntary interruption of breathing during sleep. When your airways are obstructed or not receiving the proper signals from your brain, you either wake up or shift into a lighter stage of sleep to regain regular breathing patterns. This can disrupt your sleep and drastically decrease your quality of life.

The Signs of Sleep Apnea

In addition to repeatedly stopping and starting your breathing when you sleep, you may notice other signs of obstructive sleep apnea. These signs include:

Snoring
Headaches upon waking
Waking up and then gasping for air
Dry mouth
Daytime sleepiness
Inability to focus
Insomnia
Low energy
Irritability

Your bed partner or family members may be the ones who notice the signs of sleep apnea first, so take them seriously when they express concern over these symptoms. There's often a simple solution, and our Spring, TX, dental practice can help you.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea? YOU'RE NOT ALONE

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea making up the majority of cases. Unfortunately, 80% of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed.

Rediscover a Good Night's Sleep Ask for a Free Consultation

The solution to your sleep apnea may be as easy as wearing a custom oral appliance when you sleep. The dentists at Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry create custom oral appliances that help you sleep soundly and without interruption. Our friendly dentists also work alongside sleep medicine specialists to develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

If you're ready for a better night's sleep, fill out our contact form or call our office serving the residents of Spring, TX:

(832) 847-6838

our team — Our mission is to make your day. We pamper you with luxury amenities, offer early morning and late evening appointments, and are dedicated to providing exceptional care.

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We Have Over 500 5-Star Google Reviews "I would recommend this office to anyone"

I’ve been a patient of Dr.Stephens for 20 years and my hygienist has been Val for the same length of time. These two have kept my teeth and gums and the entire oral cavity healthy. I Would like to add that I have never experienced any pain with any procedure, and I have had many. The office is up to date with the latest equipment and is spotless and up to all standards required by the dental association. I would recommend this office to anyone looking for expert excellent care. The staff are so knowledgeable and are friendly and efficient.

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I awoke with a toothache and called several dentist. No one had any appointments for a week. I called Stephens & Gatewood Dental they got me in the next day. Upon arriving I was greeted genuinely and told to help my self to a snack or a drink. The offices were gorgeous! I didn’t wait long and was taken back to there rooms. They had a tv on the wall and one on the ceiling. The dental assistant was lovely and the dentist was awesome. I will definitely be back.

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Do You Snore? Or Think You Have a Sleeping Issue?

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The Two Main Types of Sleep Apnea

Solutions for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a common method for treating obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP delivers air pressure through a mask designed to keep the upper airway passages open so you can breathe throughout the night with fewer respiratory events.

Though CPAP can be an effective treatment, the machines can be bulky, loud, and difficult to transport, so our dentists may recommend a less invasive treatment.

Oral Appliance

Oral appliances are designed to bring your lower jaw forward or reposition your tongue to alleviate snoring and open your upper airways while you sleep. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are small, easy to wear, and silent. Many patients, and their bed partners, prefer the oral appliance over CPAP.

Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry in Spring, TX, can have you fitted for a custom oral appliance to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

How You Can Receive an Oral Appliance AT OUR SPRING, TX, DENTAL PRACTICE

The solution to obstructive sleep apnea may be as simple as wearing a custom oral appliance.

Consultation

You will first meet with one of our dentists for a free sleep consultation where you can discuss your symptoms. They may examine your teeth, throat, mouth, and nose to screen for abnormalities and signs of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep Study

In some cases, a sleep study may be required to determine the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea and to confirm if an oral appliance could improve your condition. We can refer you to a sleep doctor to complete a comfortable at-home sleep study where your breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels will be monitored throughout the night.

Oral Appliance

If the results of the sleep study determine that you have obstructive sleep apnea, you can return to our practice where we can create your custom oral appliance.

Follow-up

If you've chosen to receive an oral appliance, attending follow-up appointments can allow our dentists to ensure that your treatment is working as it should, without making any changes to your teeth.

Are You Ready for a Good Night's Sleep?

Request a Consultation

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is dangerous because it decreases your quality of sleep, which can have a severe impact on your overall health. Ultimately, sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing serious health concerns, including:

Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Heart attack
Heart failure
Stroke
Cancer

Sleep Apnea's Link to Motor Vehicle Accidents

Though daytime sleepiness and the inability to focus may seem like minor symptoms, they can lead to serious consequences. According to a study published in the international journal "Sleep®," patients with obstructive sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be the driver in a motor vehicle accident.

Knowing the Risk Factors WHO'S MORE AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING SLEEP APNEA?

There are several factors that can increase your likelihood of developing sleep apnea, including:

Obesity
Aging
Being male
Smoking
Sleeping on your back
Taking certain mediations
Drinking alcohol, especially before bedtime
Having a family history of the sleep disorder

Some simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol may be enough to open your airways and alleviate your sleep apnea. However, if these changes have no effect on your sleep apnea, an oral appliance or CPAP may be the best option for you.

We Offer Affordable Care

We don't think people should lose sleep worrying about costs. Stephens and Gatewood Dentistry in Spring works to make treatment more affordable with:

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Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry is an amazing place. I've been seen by more than one dentist and they are all great, along with their staff. However, Dr. Swann was my dentist here recently he is so patient, soft spoken, he listened and understood what I was expressing about my teeth issues. He did an amazing job on all the work I got done, especially my crowns. Thank you.

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I have been a patient here for many years. Always excellent care! Very professional and attentive but also fun and charming. They go above and beyond to make patients comfortable. The hygienists are always the best! The doctors are pretty fun too. My smile and teeth are always on "display", and Dr. Stephens and Gatewood keep them that way!

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Sleep Apnea