Houston Sleep Associates

281.378.4Zzz (4999) / 2150 Richmond Ave. #101 Houston, TX 77098

Houston Sleep Associates

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, a significant medical condition, involves repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, occur when the muscles in the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. Sleep apnea is typically categorized into three types: obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form, arises when soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. Houston Sleep Associates has an alternative to CPAP.

Did you know? Sleep apnea may be taking years off your life.

DO I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?

If sleep apnea only deprived you (and the person one pillow over) of restful sleep each night, then that would be reason enough to seek treatment. However, that’s only the beginning of problems associated with the condition.

Sleep apnea episodes can occur dozens of times each night, and every time, your breathing is interrupted. These pauses in breathing can last for several seconds and often end without, therefore, can mean hours and hours of lost sleep night after night. a loud snort or cough to restart breathing. Although you may have no recollection of these episodes in the morning, your body and brain do slightly awaken each time. The cumulative effect, therefore, can mean hours and hours of lost sleep night after night.

ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY

The most common form of this medical condition is obstructive sleep apnea. In this case, the back of your tongue and other soft tissues in your throat obstruct your airway. This obstruction is what causes snoring; as air moves past constricted tissue, that loud and annoying sound ensues.

For years, the only treatment for obstructive sleep apnea was a CPAP—Continuous Positive Air Pressure—machine. However, the mask that must be worn with a CPAP machine is uncomfortable for many patients, and the noises the machinery makes can be difficult to live with. Today, Houston Sleep Associates can design a custom-made oral appliance that gently shifts your lower jaw forward instead. This small movement opens the airway so you can breathe easily and sleep peacefully. Worn nightly, an oral appliance can eliminate the symptoms of sleep apnea and help you avoid other illnesses and diseases.

SYSTEMIC ILLNESSES CONNECTED TO SLEEP APNEA

Unfortunately, research shows that sleep apnea can also aggravate or initiate other concerning medical conditions. For example, when breathing stops—even for a few seconds—the oxygen level in your blood decreases. This in turn signals your heart to work harder to send enough oxygenated blood to vital organs. As a result, hypertension—high blood pressure—often develops, potentially leading to other cardiovascular illnesses such as heart disease and strokes.

Other medical conditions that have been linked to sleep apnea are:

Type 2 Diabetes
Depression
Weight Gain
Acid Reflux
Asthma

Additionally, sleep apnea is often the underlying cause of many automobile accidents. A sleepy driver is a dangerous driver, which makes sleep apnea therapy important for you, the passengers in your car, and other drivers on the road.

Houston Sleep Dentist. Oral Sleep Appliance

GET TO KNOW

HOLLY BOONE, DMD

During the period of COVID, our patients were affected by the CPAP parts recalls. Unfortunately, many of the recalled parts were not available for replacement leading to individuals not wearing their CPAP devices at all. Dr. Boone was very concerned leading her to grow a passion for providing sleep apnea and alternative therapy.

At Houston Sleep Associates Dr. Boone and Team are committed to helping the community have an alternative to treat their sleep apnea and resolve snoring without the use of a machine or surgery. Dr. Holly is a Qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine where she has completed over 125 hours of Dental Sleep Medicine training.

Our patients receive the most cutting-edge treatment modalities by applying the research-based educational training Dr. Holly continues to receive regularly through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

WHY DID YOU BECOME A DENTIST?

Dr. Holly knew that she wanted to become a dentist since the age of three! She always enjoyed collecting teeth growing up, and another big influence was that her great-grandmother passed away shortly after having her teeth removed. This experience made her want to help as many people as possible so they could avoid the same thing happening to them. Once she started working here at the dental office as a dental hygienist, Dr. Tamborello inspired her to continue following her dreams, and the rest is history.

SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

If you’re ready to start planning your first appointment or just have a question about our dental office, then you can contact us with the information listed below. You can call during our listed business hours to have one of our team members assist you right away. Email us or fax us at any time, and someone will be in touch with you shortly to accommodate your request. Please use the map below to plan your route to our dental office.

Houston Sleep Associates is Located in Montrose