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1429 Sunset Blvd.
West Columbia, SC 29169

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Sleep Apnea

Sleep Dentistry Columbia SC

Are you tired all of the time? Do you feel run down and fatigued even when you feel like you’re sleeping enough? It could be sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you could take advantage of the benefits of sleep dentistry. Dr. Kenley Loftis and Dr. Drew Farmer are very experienced in sleep dentistry treatment and offer patients a positive experience and definitive results. 

If you have any symptoms of sleep apnea, been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or wear a CPAP, sleep dentistry may benefit you. Complete our sleep apnea screening forms to begin the path to help.

Sleep Apnea Overview

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing starts and stops throughout the time you’re asleep. It can be serious and can cause some severe health issues. Snoring is one potential indicator of sleep apnea. Other signs include:

  • Gasping for air
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Trouble staying asleep
  • Feeling sleepy throughout the day even when it feels like you were asleep long enough
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in your throat relax, temporarily narrowing or blocking your airway. When this happens, it’s harder for you to get enough air, and your oxygen levels drop. Your brain recognizes the drop in oxygen and works to wake you enough to open your airway so you can breathe properly. When you fall back asleep, the cycle continues.

You won’t remember the waking and sleeping episodes, but it’s the reason you feel so exhausted during the day. If you have sleep apnea, you aren’t reaching the deep stage of sleep.

Sleep Apnea Appliances

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Are you looking for a non-surgical treatment? Do you have trouble wearing your CPAP? There is non-surgical hope for people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Our dentists can fit you with a sleep apnea appliance. With gentle pressure on your jaw, the appliance can help prevent your airway from narrowing during sleep. With this simple device, you could feel an incredible amount of relief, with increased energy and less fatigue. Furthermore, this treatment can be beneficial for patients that find a CPAP uncomfortable or unmanageable. 

The dentists at West Vista Dental can work with your healthcare provider to arrange for a sleep study for proper diagnosis. If you do have sleep apnea, we can make sure you get the proper treatment and sleep apnea appliance to give you relief, improved sleep, and a sense of well-being. Complete the sleep apnea screening form tool and connect with us online now to schedule a consultation for sleep dentistry services.

Sleep Apnea Questionnaire

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast or just feeling tired?

0 = I would never doze

1 = I have a slight chance of dozing

2 = I have a moderate chance of dozing

3 = I have a high chance of dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Situation

Chance of Dozing

Total Score

Have you ever been diagnosed with:

1. Impaired Cognition (i.e difficulty concentrating or thinking)

2. Mood Disorders/Depression

3. Insomnia

4. Hypertension (high blood pressure)

5. Ischemic Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease/Atherosclerosis)

6. History of Stroke

7. Sleep Apnea

If yes: Did you try to use CPAP

8. TMJ problems significant enough to require treatment

9. Gastric Reflux (GERD) or Heartburn

Are you aware of (or have you been told):

1. Snoring on a regular basis

2. Feeling tired or fatigued on a regular basis

3. Clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)

4. Having frequent headaches

5. Your neck size being > 17 inches (male) or > 16 inches (female)

6. Anyone in your family having sleep apnea

7. Stopping breathing when sleeping/awakening with a gasp

For children only (filled out by parent or guardian)
Are you aware of your child:

1. Snoring/noisy breathing while sleeping

2. Grinding his or her teeth

3. Wetting the bed

4. Having difficulty in school/learning

5. Being treated for ADD or ADHD

6. Breathing primarily through their mouth

7. Having frequent nightmares/night terrors

8. Having frequent ear aches

Dental Exam Findings

You can also download the Sleep Apnea Questionnaire to print and fill out.