frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer to your questions below or want to learn more about us, please write to us directly at hello@eugenedentalsleep.com

about edsc

• How do I get to your new location?

  We are located at the east side of the Inkwell Building, Crescent Village, on the second floor. When you enter the Inkwell Building, take the elevator to the 2nd floor and you will see the office “Eugene Dental Sleep Center” in front of you. View Google map here.

• Are you currently accepting new patients at your new location?

  Yes, we are accepting new patients. Please request an appointment here or by calling us at 541-844-1517. Initial consultations are free. If you’ve had a sleep study, we will request copies of the study results, with your permission. If you haven’t had a sleep study, we will discuss this at your consultation.

• What services do you offer at Eugene Dental Sleep Center?

  We provide an effective treatment alternative to the traditionally prescribed CPAP machine, known as Oral Appliance Therapy, OAT.

  Services include:
  •   • Consultation
  •   • Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
  •   • Sleep Apnea Screening
  •   • Home Sleep Study
  •   • Sleep Coaching

• Do you offer dental services?

  We do not offer dental services, but we are happy to provide a list of dentists we highly recommend.

patients

• I am a current sleep patient at Dr. Dexter’s old location, what’s next?

  You are now our patient at Eugene Dental Sleep Center! We will take care of you and contact you about your upcoming visit and changeover!

• Does my medical insurance cover testing and treatment for sleep apnea?

  Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition. Nearly all medical insurance will cover benefits for Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as a treatment for sleep apnea. Benefits may vary by insurer and individual policy, and we will help you understand your benefits and coverage prior to treatment. We are considered out-of-network. As a courtesy, we will submit claims to your insurance with our medical billing partner. If your insurance has out-of-network benefits, they may reimburse you directly for any services provided. Services provided could be applied towards your out-of-network deductible by your insurance carrier. We require payment in full at the time of service.

• Do you accept Medicare?

  While we accept most medical insurance, we currently are not an enrolled Medicare provider. Medicare is a complex program and some policies may provide benefits that may be determined after submission of paperwork. Your initial consultation is free and there is no copay. We also offer Care Credit Financing.

obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

• How does Eugene Dental Sleep Center treat obstructive sleep apnea?

  We treat obstructive sleep apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy, OAT, an effective and non-invasive treatment alternative to the traditionally prescribed CPAP machine. It is recommended for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea patients who prefer oral appliances to CPAP. We also offer home sleep studies that can be taken in the comfort and privacy of your own surroundings at your convenience.

• Who has obstructive sleep apnea?

  Certain physical traits and clinical features are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, but anyone can have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs in about 25% of men and nearly 10% of women, it can affect people of all ages, including babies and children and particularly people over the age of 50 and those who are overweight. Regardless of age, gender or body mass, it can occur across all groups of people.

• What are the treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea?

  Treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea include CPAP, surgery to open the airway, and oral appliance therapy. Oral Appliance Therapy is a more comfortable alternative that does not require surgery or cumbersome hardware.

• Can untreated sleep apnea contribute to weight gain and obesity?

  Untreated sleep apnea can disrupt gherlin and leptin, two important hormones that regulate hunger and appetite. This can seriously affect the ability to control eating and contribute to weight gain and obesity. Treating your sleep apnea can help improve your diet and weight control.

• Should I be concerned if my partner snores?

  Yes, you should be concerned because snoring is never a healthy thing. A home sleep study is required first to determine if snoring is the primary problem or an associated symptom of a more serious condition, sleep apnea. Snoring, and certain details of snoring, can be a valuable early-warning alarm that sleep apnea is present and treating snoring can remove this warning system. Simply silencing the symptoms may have unfortunate long-term consequences of snore-free sleep apnea. When Oral Appliance Therapy is used to treat primary snoring, it is important to check for sleep apnea on a regular basis afterwards.

• Can I continue to have excessive daytime tiredness?

  Sometimes individuals with successful treatment of sleep apnea still experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a chronic condition, and may need help with improving wakefulness. We know this sleep deficit is contributing to worsening co-existing medical conditions and impacts human performance as well as cognitive abilities. For this reason, physicians may prescribe medications, after diagnosing EDS, to improve daytime functioning for those who suffer from this chronic condition.

• Can weight loss cure sleep apnea?

  The short answer is no. Weight loss may help reduce sleep apnea symptoms for some people, but only if you have obstructive sleep apnea. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, making up 84% of sleep apnea diagnosis.
  In obstructive sleep apnea, you may stop breathing because air stops flowing to the lungs due to a blockage. For some people, the weight of your neck narrows and blocks the airway during sleep. If that is the case, weight loss could have a positive effect on airway obstructions and airway collapsibility. While there are several sleep apnea treatment options available, there is no predictable cure.

• What can I do to decrease my risk for sleep apnea?

  Eating right, exercising on a regular basis and committing to behaviors that promotes quality sleep are part of a healthy lifestyle that can help reach a healthy weight, even if it can’t cure your sleep apnea. And reaching a healthy weight may reduce your risk, symptoms and severity of sleep apnea.

oral appliance therapy

• What is the difference between CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy?

  Oral Appliance Therapy, OAT, is an effective and non-invasive treatment alternative to the traditionally prescribed CPAP machine regardless of severity level. In contrast to a CPAP machine, oral appliances are mouth guard-like devices worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway. Effective oral appliances are formed from custom dental impressions, fitted and adjusted by Dr. Dexter to ensure proper fit and maximum effectiveness. OAT is comfortable, quiet, portable, easy to use and care for, and convenient for travel. Additionally, they do not restrict movements while sleeping, work with any sleeping position, can be used for patients who are CPAP intolerant, do not require electricity, and have no consumable parts to replace.

• Can all forms of sleep apnea be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy?

  Mild to moderate and, in some cases, severe obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy. Central and Mixed Sleep Apnea cannot be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy​.

• Can I get a custom-fit oral appliance just for snoring?

  Snoring is a common symptom associated with sleep apnea that can cause disrupted sleep for both you and your sleeping partner. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome, Oral Appliance Therapy is a noninvasive and effective treatment for a healthier night’s sleep.

• If I have TMJ problems, can I still be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy?

  TMJ problems do not automatically rule out Oral Appliance Therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Having a thorough exam and sleep study would provide the best determination if Oral Appliance Therapy is a suitable treatment option if you have Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).

• How can I tell if my Oral Appliance Therapy is working?

  Patients will usually notice a significant reduction or elimination of their snoring and feel more rested in the morning. Over time patients are referred back to their attending sleep doctor to confirm that the Oral Appliance Therapy is working.

• How long should I expect Oral Appliance Therapy to last?

  Since an oral appliance is custom fit to your teeth, any significant changes can cause issues with the fit and effectiveness of an oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea.

• Are there different types of oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea?

  More than a hundred oral appliances have received FDA clearance for the treatment of sleep apnea. The right one for you would be determined by a thorough exam and consultation with Dr. Dexter who practices dental sleep medicine.