
Testing & Treatment
Sleep Apnea


Testing
Why Sleep Apnea Testing Matters
Sleep apnea is a common but serious condition that often goes undiagnosed. A sleep test read by a sleep physician is the only way to know for sure if sleep apnea is affecting your health.
How We Screen for Sleep Apnea
We begin with a simple screening:
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Review of your sleep habits and symptoms
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Sleep questionnaires
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Evaluation of your airway, jaw, teeth and oral anatomy
If screening shows you may be at risk, we help guide you to the next step in testing.
Types of Sleep Apnea Testing
Most patients complete one of the following:
Home Sleep Apnea Test
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Comfortable and done in your own bed
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Easy-to-use testing device
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Tracks breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns
In-Lab Sleep Study
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Conducted overnight in a local sleep center we can refer you to
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Recommended for certain medical conditions or complex cases
We work closely with board certified sleep physicians to ensure proper diagnosis.
What to Expect with Home Sleep Testing
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Clear instructions on how to use the device
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One to two nights of testing in most cases
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Return the device for sleep physician to review the study
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Results explained in an easy-to-understand way
What Happens After Diagnosis?
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea by a sleep physician through your sleep study:
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We coordinate care with a sleep physician
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We review treatment options together
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Many patients are excellent candidates for custom oral appliance therapy
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Ongoing care ensures comfort and effectiveness

Treatment
How a Dentist Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea
At Palmer Dental Center, we provide effective, non-invasive treatment options for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. For many people, dental sleep therapy offers a comfortable alternative to traditional treatments like CPAP therapy and can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Our primary treatment for sleep apnea is custom oral appliance therapy.
An oral appliance is a small, comfortable device worn while you sleep. It works by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open throughout the night.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
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Comfortable and easy to wear
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Quiet and non-invasive
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Portable and travel-friendly
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No masks, hoses, or machines
Custom-fit specifically for your mouth
We will determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you based on your diagnosis, anatomy, and overall health.
Our Treatment Process
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Review of your sleep study results
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Coordination with your sleep physician
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Digital impressions or scans of your teeth
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Custom fabrication of your oral appliance
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Fitting and adjustments for comfort and effectiveness
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Ongoing follow-ups to monitor results
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Communication with physicain
Insurance & Coverage
Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea is often covered by medical insurance. We are one of the few offices in Alaska that is in network for medical insurance and Medicare provider. Our team can help guide you through coverage questions and paperwork. If your plan is not in network or if you are unsure, we will verify your benefits for you to confirm coverage.
Ready to Sleep Better?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or think you may be a candidate for oral appliance therapy, schedule a consultation at Palmer Dental Center today
CONTACT US
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Opening Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Friday-Sunday: Closed