What if I already have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and have a CPAP?

What if I already have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and have a CPAP? 

• CPAP's are a very effective treatment for Sleep Apnea if they are worn correctly and continuously. However, some patients have problems with their CPAP's such as: 

• Inability to wear the cpap through the night
• Unable to wear the cpap every night
• Difficulty traveling with cpap machine.

In contrast, dental appliances are compact, easy to travel with, and easier to wear than cpap mask. 

What do dental appliances to treat Oral Sleep Apnea look like?

What do dental appliances to treat Oral Sleep Apnea look like?

• Dentist and their patients have many options for their dental appliances. Because dental appliances are custom made for each patient they can be designed to combine comfort with the most effective techniques. Here are some examples: 

Where is Dr. Shirley's office located and how can I contact them?

Where is Dr. Shirley's office located and how can I contact them?

www.ShirleyDental.com
337-463-3036
307 S Washington St
DeRidder, LA 70634

How can a dentist help me sleep better?

How can a dentist help me sleep better? 

• The most common cause of sleep apnea is a lack of airway space behind the tongue and neck. 

• A dentist can provide patients with an oral appliance that positions the jaw and tongue forward in order to open the space in the airway. 

What are the most common treatment options for Oral Sleep Apnea?

What are the most common treatment options for Oral Sleep Apnea?

• CPAP

• Oral Appliance

What's next? How can I find out if my sleep is being disturbed by Sleep Apnea?

What's next? How can I find out if my sleep is being disturbed by Sleep Apnea?

• Home Sleep Test

Most people do not need to go through the hassle and expense of an in lab, overnight, sleep study anymore. Newer technology now allows patients to be sent a kit in the mail with a small unit that allows patients to comfortably sleep in their own bed to get the most accurate information about your sleep. 

• More information available from Blackstone Medical Services

How can Dr. Shirley's office help me determine if I'm not sleeping as well as I can?

• Free consultation and Sleep Screener

Contact our office to speak to Dr. Shirley. During your consult you will be able to answer a few questions to determine if you should learn more about how you are sleeping.

Have you forgotten what a good night's sleep feels like?

These are some of the problems caused during and after a poor night of sleep:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of breathing cessation
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning Headaches
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Attention problems
• Irritability