Sleep Apnea

We value the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. We realize that if you’re snoring excessively, you need help! In addition, we want to warn our patients about the risks of sleep apnea and let our patients know that we have options available for those already diagnosed with sleep apnea. The great news is that we offer quality treatment for sleep apnea in Beaufort, South Carolina. Don’t let sleep apnea go untreated – contact us today and sleep easy tonight. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve optimal oral and overall health!

Patient Resources

Patient Registration

Please preregister with our office by printing out our registration paperwork and returning it to our office prior to your scheduled appointment if time permits. The paperwork can be returned to us via email, mail, or fax. Should you have previous records you would like to forward to us, please contact your former dental office to authorize the release of records.

When can I schedule a visit?

Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort is open Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will reserve your appointment as promptly as possible. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

Is there a waiting list?

If your preferred appointment time is not available, we will still reserve an appointment for you, while working to get you in at your preferred time.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea could be the culprit if you or someone you know has difficulty sleeping at night. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night, leading to several health concerns if left untreated.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing shallow breathing or pauses in breathing. This can lead to a lack of oxygen and poor quality sleep. Our team of dental experts can work with you to diagnose and treat OSA, improving the quality of your sleep and, ultimately, your overall health.

The Importance of Sleep Apnea Treatment

Many individuals do not realize the importance of dental sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea is a more severe condition than common snoring. Snoring stems from a partial airway blockage, whereas sleep apnea stems from a complete airway blockage while you sleep.

Health Risks Include:

Some of these conditions may seem like minor inconveniences, but some can be life-threatening:

Heart attacks
Irregular heartbeats
Impotence
High blood pressure
Heartburn
Stroke
Morning headaches
Dry mouth
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Depression
Impaired concentration
Decreased libido
Irritability

How Can We Treat Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. The first step in sleep apnea treatment is the consultation process.

Step 1: Diagnosis

Dr. Jennifer Wallace may refer you to a sleep specialist to diagnose the condition. A sleep study will analyze your sleep pattern, brain waves, heart rate, and breathing rate. Based on the analysis, a diagnosis will be made.

Step 2: Lifestyle Changes

After the diagnosis, we might recommend lifestyle changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime. Losing weight will reduce the amount of excess tissue in the throat, which may be contributing to your sleep apnea.

Step 3: Oral Devices

We can recommend oral devices such as SomnoMed® sleep apnea treatment, often used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. We fit this device so that you can comfortably wear it at night.

How SomnoMed® Sleep Apnea Treatment Can Help You

SomnoMed® sleep apnea treatment is one of the latest innovations in snoring treatment. A SomnoMed® dental appliance is an easy-to-use dental device that can completely remedy your sleep apnea problems, giving you a good night’s sleep while preventing severe health conditions.

It advances the lower jaw forward and uses upper and lower dental plates with a unique patented fin-coupling mechanism to open your airway. By opening up your airway, obstructive sleep apnea can be completely relieved.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Beaufort

Sleep apnea can cause oxygen deprivation, leading to several health risks. Don’t suffer through another restless night without seeking help!

At Palmetto Smiles of Beaufort, our team can help patients understand their sleep apnea diagnosis and provide effective treatment options. We can prescribe a device that holds the jaw forward, opening the airway and reducing snoring and breathing interruptions. Whether you’re experiencing snoring, daytime fatigue, or other signs of sleep apnea, our experienced professionals are here to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help improve your sleep quality and overall health.