Basics of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes the stopping and starting of breathing. While it’s easy to mistake sleep apnea for snoring, this condition can cause very serious health issues if left untreated. At Regina M. Dailey DMD, our goal is to help educate patients on the warning signs and consequences of the breathing condition and help them get the comprehensive care they deserve. By working with local health specialists and general physicians, Dr. Dailey can help restore your normal breathing pattern and prevent long-term or permanent damage to your health.
Meet Dr. Dailey
Dr. Regina M. Dailey has been practicing general dentistry for 38 years in & near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a focus on integrative care that focuses on the overall wellbeing of the patient. In 2007, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (DABSM). Within her commitment to specialized continuing education, Dr. Regina M. Dailey has more recently helped establish the Dental Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency Program at the University of Michigan, accredited by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). She is well-known amongst colleagues in our medical and dental community for providing comprehensive dental and oral sleep apnea treatment, being deeply passionate about the outcomes of care, and for acting as a mentor in the community to other providers and individuals struggling with oral sleep apnea.
Technology
Using the most advanced technology and latest treatments, Dr. Dailey and her team can help find a sleep apnea treatment that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. We focus on creating custom oral appliances that can be used independently or in combination with your CPAP treatment. Thanks to our holistic approach to care, our Ann Arbor dentist is able to help patients achieve a better night’s rest and improved overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for sleep apnea?
The most effective treatment for sleep apnea depends on your individual needs and the severity of your condition. A sleep study, ordered and signed by a physician, can help diagnose and determine the severity of sleep apnea. If you have mild to moderate oral sleep apnea, an oral sleep appliance may be a highly effective treatment, in addition to other lifestyle modification such as diet and sleep hygiene. If your case is more severe, there may be additional treatment recommendations to help you achieve the best results, such as CPAP therapy or surgery.
What are the warning signs or symptoms of sleep apnea?
Some of the common signs/symptoms associated with sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Drowsiness while driving
- Restless sleep
- Waking with a choking/gasping sensation
- Waking with a dry/sore throat
- Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness and mood swings
- Decreased libido
The best way to find out if you have sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep study. Sleep studies, whether conducted in a facility or at home, will record data such as oxygen levels, brain activity, and muscle movement, and a physician will be able to determine if you have sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, your physician will refer you for oral appliance therapy or other necessary treatments.
How much does oral appliance therapy cost?
Oral appliance therapy is considered a medical expense, and therefore medical insurance plans can be applied. Depending on your insurance coverage, oral appliance therapy may be partially or fully reimbursed with proper documentation in place. We ask for your medical insurance information prior to scheduling a consultation so we can figure out insurance/out-of-pocket estimates and give patients an accurate expectation of treatment costs.
Contact Dr. Regina M Dailey
734-996-0055
Dr. Dailey and her team provide comprehensive care to help treat your sleep apnea and help you get a good night’s sleep. Contact us today to see how our Ann Arbor dentist can help find a solution to help you get a better night’s sleep and leave your sleep apnea behind.