What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, remains one of the most frequently undiagnosed sleep disorders. This treatable disorder causes individuals to repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night, sometimes hundreds of times. Loud snoring, a common complaint from bed partners, is one of the most noticeable signs associated with sleep apnea. Unfortunately it can put great strain on the cardiovascular system. That is why, if sleep apnea goes untreated, the risk of stroke and heart attack increases.
Sleep Should Be Rejuvenating
Dr. Ferguson and Francis can help start your journey into feeling better and living a more active life.
After we help you get an official sleep apnea diagnosis from your physician, you will most likely be prescribed either some version of a CPAP machine, which is a mask that delivers a stream of air to help keep the airway open, or a mandibular advancement device (oral appliance).
Oral appliances are devices worn in the mouth (similar to a mouth guard) during sleep to adjust the position of the lower jaw and tongue, helping to keep the airway open. They work by gently tightening the muscles that support the airway, allowing it to open or expand so that air can pass through freely without blockage or resistance.
These are the types of symptoms we see in our patients. If any of these sound familiar to you, we can help:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Repeated awakening, including nighttime urination
- Affecting sleep of others
- Heavy snoring
- Frequent tossing and turning
- Kicking or jerking leg repeatedly
- Gasping or choking upon waking
- Night sweats
- Vivid dreaming
- Acid indigestion
- Morning headaches
- Daytime drowsiness
- Teeth grinding or crowding
- Difficulty losing weight
- Hypertension
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea, and why is it a concern?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated breathing interruptions during sleep. These pauses can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased health risks such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping for air, and morning headaches.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A sleep study, conducted either in a clinic or at home, monitors breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep disturbances to determine if sleep apnea is present and its severity.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
Treatment depends on the severity of sleep apnea. CPAP therapy delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open, while oral appliances reposition the jaw to improve airflow. Oral appliances are often recommended for mild to moderate cases or for those who find CPAP uncomfortable.
How do oral appliances help with sleep apnea?
Oral appliances are custom-fitted mouthguards that adjust the jaw and tongue position to keep the airway open during sleep. They are a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy for many patients.
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Client Reviews
"We’d just moved to Billings for 2 months from Texas, and this dentist office is a God sent. EVERYONE is very warm and friendly. Jessica, the front desk lady who probably does everything is very helpful and welcoming; my hygienist, Kori, and Dr. Francis are just awesome! I like how they took real pictures of my teeth and doctor showed me the pictures and explained to me what’s going on with my gum and teeth in a way that I can understand. I’ve had several different dentists’ experiences in the last 40 years, they usually only showed me x-ray slides or images taken from their fancy new machine that all I could see were shadows of my teeth. Kori was very thorough and Dr. Francis was very clear in his explanations. Totally love this office’s excellent service!"
-Teresa L.
Today was my first visit to see Dr. Francis and to also have my teeth cleaned by the dental hygienist. First, let me say that the dental hygienist had to have done the best job I’ve ever had done. Not only was she very friendly, but she explained everything as she did it, it was the most thorough cleaning I’ve ever had done. The icing on the cake was meeting Dr. Francis. He was extremely friendly. He explained the exam gave me all my options. All of the staff that I met were very friendly. The office was very clean. I highly recommend their office.
-Kerisue D.
Undoubtedly the best dentist office I have used. I see Dr. Ferguson and her assistants. What a great group. They go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable and genuinely seem to care. They explain your dental care and give good advice.
-Dan B.
Wow! What Service. My own dentist of many years was not able to get me in for emergency service and didn't seem to really care. Dr. Francis got me into his office within the hour of my emergency and patched me up until I could get the permanent fix. His office staff was amazing and needless to say - they cared. This office will be getting all of my future dental business for myself and family. Thank you!
-Reed G.
I was so impressed with the personalized care that I experienced at my recent visit. Bringing a child into the dentist for the first time is always a stressful situation, but Dr. Francis and his staff took the time to provide quality care while demonstrating compassion. Highly recommend!
-Stephanie M.
"I was treated with respect and felt as if my concerns were address with compassion . I really appreciated the time that was taken to explain what my options were. I will recommend Dr. Francis practice to anyone in need of dental care. Everyone in the office was easy to talk to. A big thank you!"
-Lori C.
Dr. Ferguson and her assistant are amazing! They take the time to deal with your needs and let you know exactly what is going on with your teeth. Best experience ever.
-Kym P.
My experience with Dr.Ferguson and her staff was phenomenal! From thorough oral cancer screening to personalized education, my experience was unique to any dentist I've been to in the past. I would recommend her and her team to anyone seeking above average dental care.
-Charis T.
Both Doctors Ferguson and Francis’ practice is first-rate. They are thorough and make the visit pleasant as possible. Great team of folks providing superior service. 👍👍👍👍