Sleep Apnea TreatmentIn West Des Moines, IA
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. When left untreated, it can affect your sleep quality and put your health at risk. Our personalized treatments are designed to help you breathe easier, so you can get the restful sleep you deserve.
Why should I choose Sleep Apnea Treatment?
In the short term, sleep apnea can leave you feeling groggy and disrupt the quality of your sleep. Over time, it can also increase your risk of serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. With the right treatment, you can restore proper breathing, improve your sleep, and take charge of your life.
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Member
Dr. Lauren Patrick is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advancements in dental sleep therapy. That's why she is proud to be a member and qualified dentist of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
See If Treatment Is For You
If you’re struggling with sleep and snoring issues, we’re here for you. Our team can guide you through your options and answer any questions, so you can feel confident about your care.
Ask Questions
Flexible financing plans available
Outline Tailored Treatment Plan
The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Collaborative Approach
We collaborate with your sleep physician, ENT, and primary care provider to ensure a seamless, interdisciplinary treatment plan that supports your whole-body health.
At-Home Sleep Testing
Has a loved one told you that you have a snoring problem? Or maybe you feel groggy and tired even after a full-night's sleep? We offer at-home sleep testing to help uncover if sleep apnea could be causing you to miss out on much-needed rest.
Custom Night Guards For Better, Healthier Sleep
Dealing with minor sleep apnea? A custom oral appliance can move your jaw into a healthier position for less snoring and more sleeping.
The Sleep Apnea Treatment Process
In-Office Screening
Your journey begins right here in our office. We'll take a close look at your symptoms and risk factors to determine whether a sleep apnea evaluation is right for you.
Referral & Diagnosis
If sleep apnea is suspected, we'll refer you to a pulmonologist, (a doctor who specializes in breathing and sleep. In Iowa, a sleep study must be prescribed by a pulmonologist and can be completed either at home or in a sleep lab. They'll review your results and determine whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.
Treatment & Oral Appliance Therapy
Once diagnosed, your pulmonologist will discuss treatment options with you. If an oral appliance is a good fit, you'll be referred back to our office — where we'll custom-fit a comfortable device designed to keep your airway open while you sleep.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) involves wearing a custom-made mouthguard while you sleep. This device gently shifts your jaw to keep your airway open, preventing oral tissue from blocking your airflow. As a result, your breathing remains uninterrupted throughout the night. OAT is most effective for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Along with professional treatments, your sleep specialist and dentist may suggest lifestyle changes to help manage sleep apnea. These could include quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight, avoiding alcohol and drugs (especially before bed), and sleeping on your side rather than your back or stomach.
CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a machine that delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask while you sleep. This air prevents your airway from collapsing, stopping sleep apnea episodes. CPAP is typically recommended for patients with more severe cases of sleep apnea.
