Serving all of the Red River Valley and surrounding areas
Got questions? We've got answers.
Browse our frequently asked questions and get the information you need to ensure your visit to Valley Dental Sleep Therapy is seamless and efficient.
Side-effects of sleep apnea
- Heart attacks or irregular heart beats
- Impotence
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heartburn
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Impaired concentration
- Depression
- Decreased libido
- Irritability
- Excessive sleepiness.
Are there any indicators that predict sleep apnea?
- Snoring
- Overweight
- High Blood Pressure
- Acid Reflux
- Physical abnormality in nose (deviated septum), throat or upper airway including small airway or large tonsil, uvula, or tongue size, retrognathic jaw
- Neck size (usually 17” or larger in men or 16” in women)
- Genetics
Why do I need a sleep test before I get an oral appliance?
It is very important to rule if you have sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. See our Sleep Disorders page for more information.
Does medical insurance cover an oral appliance?
Approximately 90% percent of medical insurance currently have coverage for oral appliances. We will work to help give you a pre-determination of your benefits. Also, we are a Medicare provider!
How does an Oral Appliance work?
Oral appliances reduce sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other therapies. A custom oral appliance worn while sleeping holds the lower jaw forward and open, preventing the tongue and throat tissues from collapsing the airway. There is a high success rate for people treated with these appliances. Learn more about Oral appliances at our Oral Appliance Therapy Page.
I have a dentist. Why would I need to go somewhere else?
First of all, you don’t need to switch dentists for routine cleanings and dental work but it is important to find someone who has adequate training in sleep medicine and follow-up of the appliance. Your dentist might tell you it is easy to make the appliance but the real training comes in adequately diagnosing the candidacy of an oral appliance and appropriate titrations.
