At Houlik Family Dentistry, we know how crucial a good night’s sleep is to your overall health and well-being. If you’re struggling with fatigue, loud snoring, or waking up gasping for air, you might be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. This common yet serious condition affects millions of people and often goes undiagnosed. Our team is here to help you understand the signs and how treating obstructive sleep apnea in Wichita can transform your sleep and daily life.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes partially or completely blocked while you sleep. This blockage causes repeated pauses in your breathing, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute. These interruptions disrupt your sleep cycles, leaving your body and mind unable to rest fully.
This condition often stems from relaxed throat muscles, large tongue, or excess tissue in the airway. Risk factors such as obesity, aging, and family history increase your chances of developing OSA. However, did you know that children can suffer from OSA, too? Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, cognitive decline, increased risk of dementia & Alzheimer’s and an increased risk of stroke.
One of the most noticeable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Do you frequently feel drowsy during the day, no matter how much time you spend in bed? That constant fatigue could result from your brain waking repeatedly throughout the night to restart your breathing pattern. EDS can make it incredibly difficult to concentrate at work, stay focused at school, or even complete everyday tasks.
This level of exhaustion often impacts your quality of life and increases your risk of accidents while driving or operating machinery. If you notice that daytime sleepiness is interfering with your routine and relationships, it’s time to seek professional help.
Obstructive sleep apnea can wear many disguises, and individuals may experience a variety of symptoms. Along with excessive daytime sleepiness, here are signs to watch for:
Ignoring these symptoms can worsen your health over time. The key is addressing the issue early to prevent further complications.
At Houlik Family Dentistry, we take your concerns seriously and provide thorough evaluations to pinpoint the root of the problem. If obstructive sleep apnea seems likely, we may recommend a sleep study. This assessment helps us measure how frequently your breathing pauses during sleep and determines the severity of your OSA.
Depending on your specific case, this study might be conducted in a sleep center or at home with portable equipment. The results provide valuable insights that guide us in recommending your ideal treatment plan.
You don’t have to live with poor sleep and constant fatigue. We can help you treat obstructive sleep apnea in Wichita. Our team at Houlik Family Dentistry is committed to helping you find the best solution for you. While CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are a common treatment, many patients prefer a less intrusive option.
We sometimes recommend custom oral appliance therapy. This involves a small, comfortable mouthpiece you wear while sleeping. The appliance prevents your airway from collapsing by repositioning your jaw or holding your tongue in place. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact, quiet, and easy to travel with. Our team ensures your appliance fits perfectly, so you can sleep soundly and wake up refreshed.
Treating obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t just help you feel better during the day—it dramatically improves your overall health. Here’s what you can look forward to:
We aim to help you reclaim your nights, energy, and health.
At Houlik Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. With years of experience and a patient-focused approach, we tailor your care to meet your needs. You’ll never feel rushed or overlooked—we ensure you’re fully informed about your condition and treatment options every step of the way. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the support you need to overcome obstructive sleep apnea.
Don’t settle for restless nights and drowsy days. If you suspect obstructive sleep apnea impacts your life, take the first step toward better sleep and optimal health. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Joseph Houlik at Houlik Family Dentistry in Wichita, KS. We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan so you can sleep well and live fully again. Call us or book your appointment online now! We offer family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and more. And don’t forget to ask us about our in-house membership plan!
