Tulsa Office (918) 496-8010 | New Patients: (918) 233-0110 | Get Directions
Sand Springs Office (918) 245-5976 | New Patients: (918) 215-7334 | Get Directions
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Home » Blog » Understanding Sleep Apnea

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects millions of people, yet so many go undiagnosed and untreated, simply because they don’t know about the disorder. At Galleria of Smiles, we’re hoping to change that by educating as many people as possible about sleep apnea and the importance of getting treated.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is complex sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in a person’s breathing while they sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing hundreds of times a night during sleep. This can deprive the entire body, including the brain, of necessary oxygen.

There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as OSA, is the more common type of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the airway is blocked, usually because soft tissue in the back of the throat has collapsed.
  • Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send a signal to the muscles to breathe. This is usually caused by instability in the respiratory control center.

Who Is Most At Risk For Sleep Apnea?

While sleep apnea can affect anyone, no matter their age, those who are at a higher risk for sleep apnea are:

  • Male
  • Over the age of 40
  • Overweight

Additionally, those at increased risk for sleep apnea have:

  • A neck that is 17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women
  • Large tonsils, a small jaw bone, or a large tongue
  • A family history of sleep apnea
  • Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD
  • Nasal obstructions caused by a deviated septum, sinus problems, or allergies

What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Waking up with a sore or dry throat
  • Loud snoring
  • Sleepiness or a lack of energy throughout the day
  • Waking up with a choking or gasping feeling
  • Drowsy driving
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Restless sleep
  • Forgetfulness and mood changes
  • Insomnia

Because many symptoms of sleep apnea are more apparent while the person is sleeping, sleep apnea is often first recognized by a loved one, rather than the patient themselves. It may be helpful to ask your loved one if they have noticed any symptoms related to sleep apnea.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Because untreated sleep apnea can lead to additional health issues, it’s important to have it treated as soon as soon as possible. Sleep apnea has the potential to increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

If you or your partner think you may have sleep apnea, call Galleria of Smiles as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. We can send you home with an ARES™ sleep device. This means we can test you for the disorder without having to send you to a lab to sleep overnight.

A sleep doctor can then look at your results from the test and let us know if you have sleep apnea. They can also inform us of whether you have obstructive or central sleep apnea, so we know what steps to take next to treat your symptoms.

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, we can provide an oral appliance to open your airway while you sleep. An oral appliance is a much quieter and more comfortable way to help you sleep when compared to a CPAP machine. At Galleria of Smiles, we offer four types of oral appliances:

  • DynaFlex

An adjustable oral appliance great for changing dental health needs.

  • Narval

An incredibly light oral appliance guaranteed to help you feel more comfortable while treating your sleep apnea symptoms.

  • Herbst

With a Herbst oral appliance, you can talk without having to remove your device.

  • SomnoDent

SomnoDent is incredibly durable which makes it a long-lasting option.

When you come to our office for a sleep apnea treatment, we can find out which device will work best for you.

Don’t Wait Another Day To Call

If you or your partner think you may have sleep apnea, it’s important to call our office to set up a consultation. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so give us the chance to take a look at your case and help to relieve your symptoms.

To schedule an appointment, call our Tulsa, OK dental office at (918) 999-0142. You can also contact us online to request an appointment.

Options
Call
Menu
Schedule
Alerts
Menu
Need help?
Browse by Page
Accessibility
Accessibility Options
Max
Contrast
Larger
Text
Big
Cursor
Highlight
Links
Reset All
Accessibility On Our Website

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 are recognized and acknowledged as the international standard measure of success. We regularly test our site to ensure we meet or exceed that standard and also consistently look for ways to improve the web site’s performance, speed, and accessibility.

We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call (918) 496-8010 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

If you have trouble seeing web pages, the US Social Security Administration offers these tips for optimizing your computer and browser to improve your online experience.

If you are looking for mouse and keyboard alternatives, speech recognition software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking may help you navigate web pages and online services. This software allows the user to move focus around a web page or application screen through voice controls.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, there are several accessibility features available to you.

Closed Captioning
Closed captioning provides a transcript for the audio track of a video presentation that is synchronized with the video and audio tracks. Captions are generally visually displayed over the video, which benefits people who are deaf and hard of hearing, and anyone who cannot hear the audio due to noisy environments. Most of our website’s video content includes automated captions. Learn how to turn captioning on and off in YouTube.

Volume Controls
Your computer, tablet, or mobile device has volume control features. Each video and audio service has its own additional volume controls. Try adjusting both your device’s volume controls and your media players’ volume controls to optimize your listening experience.

Notifications
Follow Us On Social Media

Facebook

Stay informed on updates and upcoming events from our office.

YouTube

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Instagram

View fun photos and follow our team on Instagram.

Your Privacy
Privacy Policy

This privacy notice discloses our privacy practices and the use of Google Analytics 4(GA4), an analytic advertising feature. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website and the GA4 platform. It will notify you of the following:

  1. What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website and GA4 platform, how it is used, and with whom it may be shared.
  2. The choices available to you regarding the use of your data.
  3. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
  4. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.

Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.

While Galleria of Smiles is the primary data controller, Google, in the context of providing Google Analytics service, acts as a data processor. We use Google Analytics 4, a widely recognized web analytics service provided by Google, Inc., to track user interactions and gather data for advertising purposes. As a third-party vendor, Google Analytics operates independently and maintains its own privacy policy, which can be found at https://policies.google.com/privacy. We carefully select our third-party vendors for their commitment to user privacy and adherence to data protection standards. As part of our ongoing commitment to your privacy, we implement measures to ensure that services like GA4 comply with our high standards of data protection.

GA4 collects certain personally identifiable information from you as you interact with our website. This information includes but is not limited to your device ID, IP address, and geographic location. The information collected through GA4 is used to analyze user behavior, optimize our website’s performance, and tailor our content to better serve your needs. This data is compiled and anonymized, ensuring that it cannot be linked back to individual users.

Please note that GA4 may share the information collected with Google and other third-party service providers to enable data processing and reporting on website usage. However, we will not sell, rent, or share your information, especially your personally identifiable information, with any third party outside of our organization.

Your Access to and Control Over Information
You have certain rights regarding the data collected by GA4. You have the right to do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

  • See what data we have about you, if any.
  • Have us delete any data we have about you.
  • Express any concern you have about our use of your data.

In addition to opting out of any future communications from us at any time, you may also opt out of the GA4 feature if you so choose. You can opt out of the GA4 Advertising Features we use through Ads Settings, Ad Settings for mobile apps, or through the NAI’s. This link points to Google Analytics’ currently available opt-outs for the web https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/

Security
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. GA4 also follows industry best practices to protect your data both online and offline.

To ensure data protection while we are using GA4, we are implementing additional security measures that include and are not limited to:

  • limiting data access,
  • using secure protocols,
  • managing data sharing with Google

Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.

Contact Us
If you have any concerns about the use of GA4 or believe that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, please contact us immediately. We are committed to addressing any privacy-related issues promptly and transparently.

By using our website and consenting to the use of GA4, you acknowledge and agree to the data collection and processing practices described in this notice. For more information about GA4 and its privacy practices, please review Google’s Privacy Policy on this link https://policies.google.com/privacy.

If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately.

“Google reCAPTCHA” (hereinafter “reCAPTCHA”) is implemented on our websites. This service is provided by Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA (“Google”). We use reCHAPTA on our websites to prevent various types of data processing abuse attempts (e.g. phishing). reCHAPTA analyzes various information of the respective visitor (e.g. IP address, mouse movements of the user, length of stay on the website). By using reCAPTCHA, data is transferred to Google, which is used to determine whether the visitor is a human being or a (spam) bot. The data processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in protecting its web offers against abusive automated spying, against spam as well as protecting third parties against such attacks. You can read which data is collected by Google and what this data is used for at https://policies.google.com/privacy. You can read the terms of use for Google services and products at https://policies.google.com/terms.

Notice of Privacy Practices
Notice of Privacy Practices

This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for our website. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following:

  1. What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.
  2. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
  3. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
  4. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.

Information Collection, Use, and Sharing
When Personal Health Information (PHI) is requested, we abide by all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) rules and regulations to protect your information and privacy. We are required by applicable federal and state law to maintain the privacy of your health information. We are also required to give you this Notice about our privacy practices, our legal duties, and our rights concerning your health information. We must follow the privacy practices that are described in this Notice while it is in effect. This notice takes effect January 1, 2019, and will remain in effect until we replace it. We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this Notice at any time, provided such changes are permitted by applicable law. We reserve the right to make the changes in our privacy practices and the new terms of our Notice effective for all health information that we maintain, including health information we created or received before we made the changes. Before we make a significant change in our privacy practices, we will change this Notice and make the new Notice available upon request. You may request a copy of our Notice at any time. For more information about our privacy practices, or for additional copies of this Notice, please contact us using the information listed at the end of this Notice.

Wherever we request sensitive information (such as personal health information (PHI)), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page.

We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than to perform quality of service analysis and as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to respond to your queries. We may use your information to review our interactions with you and to help us improve and provide you with the best experience possible.

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.

Your Access to and Control Over Information
You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

  • See what data we have about you, if any.
  • Change/correct any data we have about you.
  • Have us delete any data we have about you.
  • Express any concern you have about our use of your data.
  • Revoke an authorization previously made
  • You have additional rights, please contact the office for the latest copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices and to ask any questions.

Security
We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.

Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as personal health information or credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for “https” at the beginning of the address of the Web page.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example: billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.

If you feel that we are not complying with your rights, you should contact us immediately via telephone or email. You also have the right to contact Health and Human Services (HHS) (https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/). We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Terms of Service
Terms of Service

Entering this site or the links accessible through this site, you agree to be bound by this agreement. The information and the resources contained on and accessible through this site are made available by Galleria of Smiles and/or its suppliers and vendors, and are subject to your agreement to their terms and conditions.

All contents copyright (c) Galleria of Smiles

All rights reserved, Galleria of Smiles makes this website available to all users for the sole purpose of providing educational information on health-related issues.

The accuracy of website, information, and resources identified are not warranted or guaranteed, or intended to be a substitute for professional health advice, to contradict health advice given, or for health care of any kind.

Your use of this website indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use and you expressly agree to be bound to the foregoing terms and conditions.

All materials on this website, including the site’s design, layout, and organization, are owned and copyrighted by Galleria of Smiles, or its suppliers or vendors, and are protected by U.S. and international copyrights.

Material on this site may be used for personal use only. Commercial use of any sort is strictly prohibited.

Use of Resources & Information
This site may not be used as a supplement or alternative for health care, and is not intended and does not warrant or guarantee the quality or quantity of any services of any of the advertisers identified; further, the information provided is merely for educational purposes, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. Do not use this site as a substitute for health care. Please consult with your doctor or other health care provider regarding any health questions you may have. This site may not be used for health diagnosis or treatment. Do not use this site to disregard any health advice, nor to delay seeking health advice, because of something you read or see in this site.

You understand and agree that neither Galleria of Smiles nor its suppliers or vendors or linked domain names are responsible or liable for any claim, loss, or damage of any kind, directly or indirectly resulting from your use of this site or the information or the resources contained on or accessible through it.

Galleria of Smiles expressly disclaims any implied warranty or representation about the information or accuracy, relevance, completeness, timeliness or appropriateness for any particular purpose of any kind. Your use of this site is also subject to all additional disclaimers that may appear throughout the site.

Other Internet Sites Links
This site also includes links to other internet sites created and maintained by Galleria of Smiles’s suppliers, vendors, affiliates, or subscribers. Be aware that Galleria of Smiles does not control, makes no guarantees about, and disclaims any express or implied representations or warranties about the accuracy, relevance, completeness, timeliness or appropriateness for a particular purpose of the information or the resources contained on these or any other internet sites.

Further, the inclusion of these links is merely for your convenience and is not intended and does not reflect Galleria of Smiles’s opinion on the accuracy or the importance of these other sites; further, Galleria of Smiles does not endorse in any manner any of the views expressed in, or products or services offered by these other sites. All information in any site by Galleria of Smiles, or associated or linked site, is extracted, read, used, or relied upon by you at your own risk.

Disclaimer of Warranty
Galleria of Smiles and its suppliers and vendors disclaim all express or implied representations or warranties regarding the information, services, products, materials, and any other resources contained on or accessible through this site, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. All information provided by Galleria of Smiles is made available “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind, or any express or implied promise, including, by way of example, its continuing availability.

Limitation of Liability
With respect to products, goods, or services purchased from any entity identified, listed, named or contacted through Galleria of Smiles’s website, or any links to Galleria of Smiles’s website, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Galleria of Smiles or its suppliers or vendors be liable for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, incidental, exemplary, contractual, or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever of any kind, resulting from any loss, which by way of example, includes loss of use, loss of data, loss of profits, business interruption, litigation, or any other pecuniary loss, whether based on breach of contract, tort (including negligence), product liability, or otherwise, arising out of or in any way connected with the use or performance of this site, with the delay or inability to use this site, or with the provision of or failure to make available any information, services, products, materials, or other resources contained on or accessible through this site, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

You acknowledge and agree that the limitations set forth above are elements of this agreement, and that this site would not be provided to you absent such limitations.

Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Galleria of Smiles and its suppliers and vendors from any liability, loss, claim, and expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) related to your violation of this agreement or use of this site in any manner. Your use of this site shall constitute your acceptance of the terms of this Agreement, as revised and modified, if any, each time you access this site. Galleria of Smiles may modify this agreement at any time, and such modifications shall be effective immediately upon posting of the modified agreement.

Miscellaneous
Galleria of Smiles’s failure to insist upon strict enforcement of any provision(s) of this agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any provision or right.

This agreement and the resolution of any dispute related to this agreement or this site shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma, without giving effect to any principles or conflicts of law. Any legal action or proceeding between Galleria of Smiles or its links, suppliers or vendors and you related to this agreement or this site shall be brought exclusively in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction sitting in Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

Copyright
All materials on this website, including the site’s design, layout, and organization, are owned and copyrighted by Galleria of Smiles or its suppliers or vendors, and are protected by U.S. and international copyrights.

Links
This site contains links to other sites. Galleria of Smiles is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites that are linked to us.

Questions
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding Galleria of Smiles’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, please contact us.

Search
Search the Website

Use keywords in the search box below to find what you're looking for.

Special Offers
New Patient Specials

Please check back often for New Patient Specials.

Schedule Appointment