Sleep apnea is a condition in which the patient stops breathing for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 22 million Americans struggle with sleep apnea, and close to 80 percent of those cases range from moderate to severe. What’s more, many patients with sleep apnea have never been formally diagnosed.

Receiving a diagnosis is critical. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious problems, including fatigue, changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and accidents at home, behind the wheel, or in the workplace. More advanced health risks include high blood pressure, heart trouble, and premature death.

If you believe you are struggling with sleep apnea, our team in Boerne can help you treat your condition. We work in conjunction with an appropriate Physician to coordinate non-surgical treatment with oral appliance therapy. Sleep apnea often results from a blocked airway. This blockage can be caused by either the tongue or lower jaw. An oral appliance solves this issue by repositioning the tongue or lower jaw, allowing air to easily reach the lungs during sleep. Oral appliance therapy also treats snoring, which most sleep apnea patients struggle with, too.

Are you concerned that you might be struggling with obstructive sleep apnea? Call Dr. Kurt Mackie today to schedule a consultation with our Boerne dental team. During your visit, we would be happy to talk with you about this serious condition. We can also talk to you about oral appliance therapy. Start getting the full night of rest that you deserve!

Advanced NightLase® Laser Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

For patients with mild sleep apnea and chronic snoring, we’re proud to offer NightLase® laser therapy as an innovative treatment option. This gentle, non-surgical procedure uses FDA-approved laser technology to tighten throat tissues and open airways naturally. Many patients experience significant improvement in their sleep quality and breathing without the need for CPAP machines or oral appliances. Treatment is comfortable, requires no downtime, and can be completed in just 3-4 brief sessions.