Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment in Millcreek & Salt Lake City, UT

At Warr Dental, we understand how disruptive snoring and sleep apnea can be to your health and daily life. Sleep apnea, in particular, is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people and is often undiagnosed. Fortunately, our dentists offer personalized treatments to help you and your loved ones rest easier.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Snoring man in bed with partner covering ears trying to sleep

Sleep apnea is a sleep-disordered breathing condition that occurs when the back of the throat collapses during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway. This blockage can deprive your lungs of air for up to 30 seconds, leading to gasping or choking as your brain triggers your body to wake up. Although you might not remember these episodes, your partner likely notices loud snoring.

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), over 180 million people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), with the majority remaining undiagnosed. If you snore loudly or struggle to stay awake during the day, you may have sleep apnea.

Dr. Keith Warr recommends the **MicrO2** sleep and snore device to many patients. This mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is custom-made to fit your mouth and address patient compliance problems commonly associated with CPAP machines. The MicrO2 device is made of durable dental-grade PMMA and is much smaller and more comfortable than traditional MRDs, allowing better airflow and room for your tongue during sleep.


 

MicrO2 Sleep and Snore Device

The MicrO2 sleep and snore device is a custom-made mandibular repositioning device (MRD) that addresses patient compliance problems with other sleep apnea treatments such as the CPAP machine and other MRDs. The upper and lower devices of the MicrO2 are designed precisely to fit your mouth and teeth and are made of a durable material — dental-grade poly(methyl methacrylate), or PMMA — that is not susceptible to stains, smells or buildup. The strength of the PMMA allows the device to be made considerably smaller than other MRDs, which gives more comfort and allows for optimal opening of the vertical bite and more room for your tongue.

 

Read what our patients are saying!

“I love my appliance! It is more effective (and much more attractive) than the CPAP machine I was previously using to treat my sleep apnea. I am sleeping through the night and no longer dragging through my days. Thanks, Dr. Warr.”

Click here to read more patient testimonials

Why Is Sleep Apnea Serious?

Sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring—it can be a gateway to severe health conditions. There are three types of sleep apnea severity:

  • Mild OSA: Five to 15 episodes of obstructed breathing per hour
  • Moderate OSA: 15 to 30 episodes per hour
  • Severe OSA: More than 30 episodes per hour

These episodes can cause your blood pressure to rise, your pulse to quicken, and increase your risk of conditions such as:

  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive heart failure

In rare cases, sleep apnea can even lead to respiratory failure, causing sudden death during sleep.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Many people may not recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea since they often seem mild. Common indicators include:

  • Fatigue
  • Chronic or morning headaches
  • Nocturnal gasping, coughing or choking
  • Depression
  • Increased urination at night
  • Large neck circumference
  • Irregular breathing during sleeping

Sleep Apnea Treatments

Warr Dental offers a range of treatment options for sleep apnea, customized to your needs. Some treatments include:

  • Custom orthotic appliance: Similar to a retainer, this device keeps your airway open during sleep, allowing for normal breathing. Up to 91% of our patients report improved sleep quality.
  • MicrO2 device: This advanced device offers a comfortable, easy-to-use solution to manage sleep apnea without the need for adjustments.
  • CPAP machine: A common treatment for sleep apnea, though many patients find it uncomfortable.
  • Surgical options: For patients needing a more permanent solution, surgery may reduce airway obstruction.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale

How likely are you to nod off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling just tired? This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you haven’t done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you. It is important that you answer each question as best as you can.

Use the following scale to choose the most appropriate number for each situation:

 
0
(Would never nod off)
1
(Slight chance of nodding off)
2
(Moderate chance of nodding off)
3
(High chance of nodding off)

Sitting and reading



Watching TV



Sitting, inactive, in a public place (e.g., in a meeting, theater, or dinner event)



As a passenger in a car for an hour or more without stopping for a break



Lying down to rest when circumstances permit



Sitting and talking to someone



Sitting quietly after a meal without alcohol



In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic or at a light



A score of 10 or greater raises concern: you may need to get more sleep, improve your sleep practices, or seek medical attention to determine why you are sleepy.

 

Contact Us Today

If you or your partner are concerned about sleep apnea, don’t wait. Call Warr Dental today at **801-355-5385** to schedule your free consultation or a virtual appointment. We are dedicated to helping patients in Millcreek and the surrounding areas improve their sleep and overall health.

Schedule Today!