Sleep Apnea Dentistry

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Q: Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?

No. A sleep physician makes the official medical diagnosis.

Q: Do you use FDA-cleared oral appliances?

Yes. Elm Ridge uses FDA-cleared oral appliances and does not present one appliance brand as the only option.

Q: Does medical insurance cover sleep studies?

Elm Ridge bills medical insurance for appliances only, not sleep studies.

Restoring restful sleep with a CPAP alternative.

Request an Appointment Call 254-699-4127

Person sleeping comfortably during sleep apnea treatment

You might consider your or your loved one's snoring and sleep disturbances as a common, minor inconvenience, but they can be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

An estimated 34-37% of adults have obstructive sleep apnea; however, the vast majority, as many as 80% of those affected, are completely unaware they have it because the condition remains heavily underdiagnosed. American Medical Association

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep. Breathing can pause or become shallow, oxygen levels may drop, and the brain may briefly wake the body to reopen the airway.

Common signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, restless/poor quality sleep, morning headaches, clenching and grinding teeth, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, and trouble concentrating. Untreated sleep apnea can strain the heart and body over time and is associated with high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, heart disease, stroke risk, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and drowsy driving. Early recognition and care are essential for both health and quality of life.

Airway comparison with obstructive sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy — Obstructive sleep apnea can happen when soft tissue narrows or blocks the airway during sleep. (left image)Airway opened with custom sleep apnea oral appliance

How sleep apnea is diagnosed

Elm Ridge offers affordable take-home sleep studies that allow you to obtain a diagnosis with a normal night of sleep in your own bed.

The recorded data is sent to a sleep physician for an official medical diagnosis. From there we can work with your physician to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

How Sleep Apnea is Treated

Elm Ridge offers custom oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy. These FDA-cleared devices help keep the airway open, improving breathing and sleep quality without bulky machines or invasive procedures.

Custom mandibular advancement oral appliance for sleep apnea

Determine Sleep Apnea risk with the STOP-BANG questionnaire

Check each item that sounds like you. This screening tool does not diagnose sleep apnea, but it can help you decide whether a take-home sleep study is worth discussing.

Snoring: Do you snore loudly enough that others notice?Tired: Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during the day?Observed: Has anyone observed you stop breathing, choke, or gasp during sleep?Pressure: Do you have or are you treated for high blood pressure?BMI: Is your BMI over 35 kg/m2?Age: Are you over 50?Neck: Is your neck circumference 16 inches / 40 cm or larger?Gender: Are you male?

Select any statements that apply. Your risk assessment will update here.

When to Call

Call if you have a sleep apnea diagnosis, struggle with CPAP, or want to know whether an oral appliance may be appropriate after physician involvement.

Dentists Who May Help

Jeff Muszynski, DDS

Ready for the next step? Call 254-699-4127 or request an appointment. For urgent dental problems, call instead of using the form.

Common Questions

Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?

Do you use FDA-cleared oral appliances?

Does medical insurance cover sleep studies?

Ready to talk through your options?

Elm Ridge will explain what is happening, what choices are realistic, and what makes sense for your mouth.