Sleep Apnea Treatment
Poor sleep has the ability to interrupt both your nighttime and daytime hours.
Sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and even serious health complications if left untreated.
The staff at Peak Family Dentistry in Albuquerque, NM, offer sleep apnea treatments tailored to fit your needs.
Our Highly Certified Doctor
Helping Children and Adults Breathe Better
In the photo above, you can see Dr. Billie Adams receive a certificate of completion for her Pediatric Dental Sleep Medicine Mini Residency with Tufts University. Dr. Adams specializes in airway dentistry, which focuses on the oral structures that support proper breathing. Her journey began with adults dealing with breathing problems during sleep, but she now helps both adults and children breathe easier.
Don't Suffer With
a CPAP Machine
See What an Oral Appliance Can Do
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be necessary for some adults and children to achieve a good night's sleep, but CPAP is not the only solution to fighting sleep apnea.
We offer custom-made oral appliances as a solution to OSA for patients who prefer to avoid adding a clunky CPAP machine into their bedtime routine. The oral appliance works as a solution for OSA by repositioning the jaw and tongue, which keeps the airway open and reduces the likelihood of airway collapse. Many patients find them far more comfortable and easy to wear than a CPAP mask.
Benefits of an Oral Appliance
Comfortable
It can take patients time to adjust to using a CPAP device, which can irritate the skin and feel cumbersome. Oral appliances offer a sleeker, more comfortable fit that's custom-fitted to your mouth, similar to a mouth guard.
Portable
CPAP devices are difficult to travel with and need an electrical connection. An oral appliance is portable, allowing you or your child to stay consistent with wearing the appliance. It can easily be brought along on trips or sleepovers.
Non-Invasive
Sometimes even when a child's tonsils are removed, sleep apnea concerns will persist. Starting with an oral appliance as treatment is a non-invasive solution before undergoing surgery, or when a previous surgery failed to correct the issue.
Longevity
Alternative treatment methods to sleep apnea are emerging, such as non-ablative laser therapy, which tightens the tissues of the upper airway. However, these treatments are not permanent and will need to be repeated.
Is a Narrow Jaw Causing
Your Sleep Apnea?
We Offer Maxillary-Assisted Rapid Palate Expansion
Craniofacial abnormalities, such as a narrow upper jaw, can potentially exacerbate OSA symptoms. Through maxillary-assisted rapid palate expansion (MARPE), Dr. Adams can widen the upper palate to create more space for the tongue to be in proper position. MARPE helps alleviate airway constriction and reduce the frequency and severity of airway obstructions that lead to sleep apnea.
MARPE Transformation
A Special Focus on
Pediatric Airway Dentistry
Request a Consultation
The members of our Albuquerque staff are trained to observe a child's breathing patterns during their dental visits. Sleep apnea is all based on symptoms, so being able to spot signs that point to OSA early on is vital to taking steps to treat the sleep disorder. While we don't offer sleep studies from our Albuquerque practice, we can refer you or your child to a sleep medicine doctor and follow up with the results of the sleep study to best aid your treatment.
Alternatives to uncomfortable CPAP treatment exist, and our team is here to help you find a solution that works for you. Call or contact our Albuquerque practice to get started:
(505) 293-2211
"Highly recommend!" Albuquerque, NM, Patients Thank Our Staff
Linda Barber-Greene
Albuquerque, NM
2023
Dr. Adams is so kind and professional. I had one of the best dental experiences at her practice. I highly recommend her.
View on GoogleStacey
Albuquerque, NM
2023
Have been trying to find a new dentist and was referred to Dr. Adams. I’m so glad I was! I finally found a dentist that makes me feel comfortable and I can trust. Highly recommend!
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A Family-Oriented Practice
With Treatments for Every Age
As a parent raising two boys, Dr. Adams understands the overwhelming challenges of seeking treatment for children grappling with conditions like sleep apnea. Our approach centers on providing comprehensive solutions for patients of all ages. From the Adams family to yours, experience dedicated care and effective treatment at Peak Family Dentistry.
Tongue-Tie Treatment Can Help Pediatric Sleep Apnea
A tongue tie occurs when the string of tissue connecting the bottom of the mouth to the tongue is abnormally thick or short, restricting tongue movement. This can have functional impacts on the child if not treated. Tongue-ties may be identified early on if it has an impact on the child's ability to nurse, speak, or breathe properly. If left untreated, a tongue-tie can cause children to breathe only out of their mouth, which can interfere with the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain and reduce overall sleep quality.
Dr. Adams performs infant frenectomies to release tongue ties and promote better sleep and overall function. She uses the Light Scalpel CO2 Laser for this procedure. Using laser technology has many benefits, including:
- Minimized bleeding
- Less swelling
- Less discomfort
- Reduced risk of infection
- Shorter Procedures
- Faster Recovery
Signs of Sleep Apnea in Children and Adults
Some signs of sleep apnea, such as snoring, are seen in both children and adults. However, other signs will present differently in children. Here are some of the signs that may point to OSA or another sleep disorder:
Children
- Snoring
- Open-mouthed sleeper
- Bed wetting
- Night terrors
- Snorting, coughing, choking
- Night sweats
- Poor attention span
- Behavioral issues (hyperactivity)
- Learning problems
- Poor weight gain
Adults
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Day-time sleepiness
- Morning headache
- Gasping for air when awoken
- Dry mouth in morning
- Forgetfulness
- Low libido
- Dizziness upon waking
Factors That Can Cause Sleep Apnea in Adults
Some factors of OSA in adults can be due to family history or anatomical problems. However, many of the causes of OSA in adults are related to lifestyle, and can be relieved through lifestyle changes, alongside continuous positive airway pressure treatment, oral appliance therapy, or other sleep medicine treatments.
Obesity
The connection between obesity and OSA is largely caused by excess fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract, which narrows the airway and causes a decrease in muscle activity in the area.
Age
Sleep apnea becomes more common as patients age, due to the muscles and tissues in the throat losing their tone and becoming more susceptible to collapse.
Alcohol
Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, can cause airway inflammation, and suppress respiratory drive, all of which can lead to episodes of OSA and snoring throughout the night.
Sleep Medication
Sleep medicine for patients with insomnia, such as tranquilizers or sedatives, can relax the throat muscles, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.
"Very professional and kind." Patients Across Albuquerque, NM, Choose Our Team
Jerry Tighe
Albuquerque, NM
2023
Always a great experience, for going to a dentist. Professional and friendly staff with no wait.
View on GoogleDanette Tonihka
Albuquerque, NM
2023
I have been coming here for about two years now and I absolutely love the service! Very professional and kind.
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