Discovering Your Sleep Disorder: Expert Care in Southern New Hampshire
Many patients come to our Nashua center experiencing classic symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea but haven’t received a formal diagnosis. Others have tried continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy without success and are seeking alternative treatments. If you stop breathing while you sleep, snore loudly, or have trouble getting enough sleep, Dr. Stephen Ura at the Center for Dental Sleep Health can check your symptoms and refer you to a sleep specialist if necessary.
Whether you’re dealing with mild sleep apnea, moderate sleep apnea, or severe sleep apnea, finding the right treatment is crucial for your overall health. If you’ve already been diagnosed through a sleep study and are struggling to tolerate CPAP or looking for alternatives to CPAP therapy, scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Ura is your next step toward better sleep.
Contact our Nashua dental office today at (603) 237-1124 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation and discover how we’re helping patients from Hudson, Merrimack, and Milford rest easier.
Preparing for Your First Sleep Apnea Consultation in Nashua, NH
Before your appointment with Dr. Ura, these simple steps will ensure a productive session:
- Document your sleep patterns by keeping a sleep diary. Note symptoms like moments when you fall asleep inappropriately, morning headaches, or feeling unusually tired despite sitting quietly for hours.
- Ask your bed partner about your sleeping habits. Do you experience episodes where you appear to stop breathing or make gasping sounds? Does your loud snoring disrupt their sleep?
- Gather any existing medical records, especially previous home sleep testing or in-lab sleep study results. These provide valuable insights for crafting your personalized treatment plan.
- Note any conditions like high blood pressure that might be related to your sleep disorder, and bring a list of current medications.
- Write down questions about oral appliance therapy or other treatment approaches that interest you.
Arriving prepared with a detailed history of your sleep disorder will help maximize your time with Dr. Ura and take the first step toward restoring your physical health and energy.
Exploring Your Treatment Options with Dr. Ura
During your initial consultation, your Nashua sleep dentist will:
- Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your obstructive sleep condition
- Discuss the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life
- Review any existing sleep study results or recommend appropriate testing
- Explain how different devices work to treat your specific type of sleep apnea
For many patients, Dr. Ura may recommend oral appliance therapy as an effective alternative to CPAP machines. These custom devices work by gently positioning your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open during sleep.
If appropriate for your situation, our sleep dentist near Hudson, NH, Dr. Ura, will take digital impressions for a customized oral appliance crafted specifically to address your unique needs. You’ll return to our Nashua office once your appliance is ready.
Dr. Ura often suggests complementary lifestyle changes for optimal results, particularly for patients who need support with weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, or modifying sleep positions.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions
After outlining your treatment plan, we encourage you to ask questions. Most patients want to know:
- Why might an oral appliance be preferred over a CPAP machine for my specific situation?
- How quickly might I notice improvements in my energy levels and daytime alertness?
- Will my insurance cover oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea?
- Can this treatment help reduce my loud snoring that’s affecting my bed partner?
- How does home sleep apnea testing work if I need additional diagnostic information?
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I snore but don’t have sleep apnea?
Even if you don’t have sleep apnea, persistent snoring can significantly impact your quality of life and that of your bed partner. Qualified sleep dentists offer specialized treatments for sleep-disordered breathing issues, including custom oral appliances designed specifically to reduce snoring.
Don’t dismiss snoring as merely annoying—it can be an indicator of disrupted sleep patterns and potential health issues. Sleep specialists can help determine if your snoring requires medical attention.
At what age can sleep apnea develop?
Sleep apnea can develop at any age, even in children. Pediatric cases often involve enlarged tonsils and adenoids that obstruct breathing during sleep. In adults, risk factors include weight, the anatomy of the soft palate, and family history.
If you or a family member experience symptoms like daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or noticeable breathing pauses during sleep, consult with a sleep specialist regardless of age. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term health complications like high blood pressure and heart problems.
What lifestyle changes can alleviate sleep apnea symptoms?
While many patients benefit from CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapy, complementary lifestyle changes often enhance treatment outcomes:
- Losing weight through improved nutrition and regular exercise
- Eliminating tobacco use and reducing alcohol consumption
- Modifying sleep positions to improve breathing during sleep
- Establishing consistent sleep schedules
- Avoiding sedatives before bedtime
For some patients with structural issues affecting the airway, surgical interventions might be recommended after other approaches have been explored.
Can my dental insurance cover my sleep apnea treatment?
Most insurance providers offer coverage for sleep disorder diagnosis and treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance company before your appointment to understand your specific benefits. Many plans now recognize oral appliance therapy as a medically necessary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea when prescribed by a qualified provider.
Time to Live Life with New Energy!
Ready to experience truly restful nights again? Schedule your first sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Ura at our Nashua, NH, dental office by calling (603) 237-1124. We proudly serve patients from Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and throughout southern New Hampshire.
Alternatively, fill out our online contact form below, and our team will promptly help you take the first step toward better sleep and improved overall health. Don’t let another night of disrupted sleep affect your quality of life—advanced sleep apnea treatment is closer than you think.