Sleep Apnea Therapy – Tucson, AZ
Stop Your Snoring and Rest Easy
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States, second only to insomnia. With this condition, you can end up feeling exhausted during most of the day even if you thought you got plenty of rest the night before. The lack of quality sleep could also put your overall health at risk. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, contact Dr. Lopez today to see if one of our customized oral appliances for sleep apnea therapy in Tucson, AZ could help you fight the disorder without the use of a CPAP machine.
Why Choose Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC for Sleep Apnea Therapy?
- Reliable, Custom-Made Lamberg Appliances
- Partnered with the Area’s Best Sleep Doctors
- Dentist That Focuses on Treating Root Causes
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing for some time while you’re asleep, forcing you to wake up for air. The awakenings are brief, so you may not remember them afterward. However, they can occur as often as 100 times every hour, meaning you barely spend any time in the deepest, most restful stages of sleep. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway is blocked by relaxed oral tissues.
Oral Appliance Therapy
The purpose of an oral appliance is to hold the lower jaw and tongue in a comfortable forward position so that the airway stays open while you’re asleep. Our dental office favors the Lamberg SleepWell Appliance, which has a simple design that is easy for you to clean and adjust for your needs. When you come to Dr. Lopez for sleep apnea therapy, we can provide a personalized appliance based on impressions of your smile.
Partnered with Sleep Physicians
You’ll need a certified sleep physician’s expertise to have your sleep apnea properly diagnosed. We work with some of the best sleep doctors in the Tucson area who can help you get to the bottom of your sleep disorder. They can perform the necessary tests to determine whether or not you’re suffering from sleep apnea as well as how severe the condition is. The information they provide helps us develop personalized solutions that allow our patients to rest easy again.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dentists like Dr. Lopez, who treat sleep apnea, focus on improving nighttime breathing through custom-made oral appliances. These gently shift your jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep with no machines or masks necessary!
At Jay R. Lopez, DDS, PC, we can create comfortable, effective solutions that help reduce symptoms like snoring, gasping for air, and constant fatigue. Unlike general medical providers, sleep dentists can craft appliances designed specifically for your mouth and lifestyle.
If you're looking for a quiet, non-invasive treatment option, a visit to our Tucson office could be the first step toward better sleep and better health.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the condition. Snoring can occur due to allergies, sleeping position, or even aging. However, if your snoring is loud, frequent, and accompanied by gasping or pauses in breathing, it could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
If you're unsure about where your symptoms are coming from, a consultation with Dr. Lopez can help you get some clarity and figure out the next best steps. We take your symptoms seriously and will help you discover whether a simple snoring issue or something more serious is affecting your sleep.
Can My Dentist Diagnose Sleep Apnea?
Dr. Lopez can screen for signs of sleep apnea, but only a licensed sleep physician can make a formal diagnosis. That’s why our team works closely with trusted local sleep specialists to ensure accurate testing and treatment planning.
If you’re showing symptoms—like chronic snoring, fatigue, or morning headaches—we’ll guide you through a home sleep study or refer you to a qualified physician for evaluation. Once diagnosed, we can step in with a customized oral appliance designed to reduce symptoms and help you sleep peacefully again.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
Many patients who begin oral appliance treatment notice improvement within the first few weeks—some even after just a few nights! These appliances are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, so they’re more likely to be used consistently.
While CPAP machines can also be effective, many patients find them to be too bulky or uncomfortable to wear, so they don’t wear them. Oral appliances can be a simpler, quieter solution that doesn’t impact your lifestyle. With regular use, you can expect deeper sleep, better focus, and a noticeable boost in daytime energy.