What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, narrowing or blocking the airway. These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to over a minute and may happen dozens of times per hour.

Many people with sleep apnea in Wichita remain undiagnosed, despite experiencing symptoms that severely affect their health and daily functioning. Some common signs are snoring, gasping for air at night, frequent nighttime awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Learn more about how we incorporate airway health into our preventive dentistry approach.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring—it carries serious health risks if left untreated. Dr. Joseph Houlik stresses the importance of diagnosis and early intervention to avoid complications.

Common Symptoms:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Irritability and mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or restless sleep

Health Risks Include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Weight gain
• Memory problems
• Increased risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue

How Houlik Family Dentistry Treats Sleep Apnea

At Houlik Family Dentistry, we offer practical, accessible solutions for sleep apnea in Wichita, tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. We work with sleep specialists and leverage advanced dental techniques to provide comprehensive support.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing

Suspect sleep apnea but want to avoid an overnight lab study? Our home sleep apnea tests provide a convenient, comfortable way to gather diagnostic data in your bed. The test monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate, allowing us to assess whether you’re experiencing apneic episodes.

Custom Oral Appliances

We may recommend a custom oral appliance if you are diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA or can’t tolerate a CPAP machine. Like a night guard, this device gently repositions your jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy:

• Comfortable and discreet
• Portable—ideal for travel
• Quiet—no machinery or noise
• Easy to clean and maintain

We take digital impressions to ensure a perfect fit, then provide follow-ups to monitor effectiveness and adjust as needed.

Why Choose Dr. Joseph Houlik for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

With decades of experience and a deep commitment to patient wellness, Dr. Joseph Houlik leads our practice with skill and compassion. He understands that sleep apnea affects more than rest—it influences every aspect of life, from heart health to productivity.

We prioritize:

• Whole-body care: Addressing root causes, not just symptoms
• Personalized solutions: Each oral appliance is tailored to your airway and bite
• Comfort-first philosophy: Minimally invasive treatments designed around your lifestyle
• Collaborative care: We work with medical sleep specialists when needed for comprehensive support

Sleep Apnea and Snoring—What’s the Connection?

Snoring is often a sign of restricted airflow during sleep. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud, habitual snoring should never be ignored—especially if it’s paired with daytime fatigue or gasping episodes.

Snoring caused by airway obstruction is treatable with the same oral appliances used for apnea. These appliances reposition the jaw to reduce airway collapse, decreasing snoring volume and frequency.

What to Expect from Your First Visit

Getting started with sleep apnea care at Houlik Family Dentistry is simple. Here’s how we guide you through it:

Step 1: Consultation & Screening

We thoroughly review your sleep history, symptoms, and health concerns. We coordinate a home sleep apnea test to confirm the diagnosis if necessary.

Step 2: Oral Appliance Fitting

If eligible, we create a custom oral appliance using digital impressions. The appliance is crafted to suit your unique jaw structure and sleep habits.

Step 3: Follow-Up & Adjustments

We monitor your progress, check for improved sleep quality, and make any needed adjustments to your device to maximize comfort and effectiveness.

Sleep Apnea in Wichita

If you’re struggling with sleep apnea in Wichita, let Dr. Joseph Houlik and the team at Houlik Family Dentistry help you breathe easier and sleep more deeply. With home sleep tests and custom oral appliance therapy, we make treatment simple, effective, and tailored just for you.

Contact us to schedule your sleep apnea consultation today!