Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which the upper airway becomes obstructed, reducing the flow of oxygen throughout the body.
Left untreated, this sleep disorder can lead to concerning health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Drs. Talmadge D. Wilkins IV and Leah B. Wilkins offer sleep apnea treatment at the Center for Dentistry in Aiken, SC.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs. Central Sleep Apnea Understanding the Two Main Forms of the Condition

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which your breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to a range of effects like daytime sleepiness, headaches, and irritability. Sleep apnea manifests in two main types: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Our team in Aiken, SC, focuses on treating obstructive sleep apnea, by far the most prevalent and easily treated form.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, affecting oxygen levels. When the muscles near the back of the throat relax, they can collapse over the airway and prevent oxygen flow. Patients with this sleep disorder often find success with oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, or the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine in certain cases.

Central Sleep Apnea

In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the breathing muscles. Central sleep apnea is considered a neurological condition. It will not respond to oral appliance therapy and requires the medical attention of a specialist. If we suspect you may have central sleep apnea, we can connect you with a qualified medical professional for individualized care.

What are some warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

There are several signs that could indicate your upper airway is narrowing and you have obstructive sleep apnea. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Dentists are often the first ones to detect sleep apnea, either during an exam or while discussing the patient's health history. As a qualified dentist recognized and approved by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Wilkins has undergone more extensive training in this area than most practitioners.

If our team suspects that you could have sleep apnea, we may refer you for a sleep study. During a sleep study, the exact cause of the condition can be more clearly determined by monitoring your oxygen levels, your breathing patterns, and the number of events you experience during sleep.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your healthcare team can determine the best course of action. While some individuals may require CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), many patients can correct the problem with oral appliance therapy, a minimally invasive treatment.

Man snoring next to woman — If you have obstructive sleep apnea and share a bed with someone else, your sleep partner has likely pointed out symptoms of the condition, like snoring and breathing disruptions while you're asleep.

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Transparent Pricing for Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Request a Consultation Today

We like to keep our sleep apnea treatment fees as clear as possible at the Center for Dentistry. This service is priced at a flat fee of $3,500 at our Aiken, SC, practice.

Your treatment package includes comprehensive evaluations and exams to accurately diagnose your condition, a custom-made oral appliance to relieve your symptoms, and follow-up care to ensure you enjoy continued improvement to your quality of life.

We gladly accept insurance and CareCredit® financing for sleep apnea treatment. A member of our team can file a claim on your behalf or help you navigate your financing options in order to keep this life-changing care affordable for you.

Ready to get started? You can take the first step towards more restful sleep or receive more information on your treatment options during a consultation with our doctors. Contact us online or call:

(803) 648-9461

Request a Sleep Apnea Consultation

"Friendly, informative, and personable." Our Patients Leave 5-Star Reviews

What a great experience! Everyone was wonderful. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and my hygienist was fantastic. Dr. Wilkins was professional, accommodating, and kind. I've never liked going to the dentist, but now I'm excited for my next appointment. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

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The staff is efficient, helpful and very pleasant to deal with. Dr. Talmadge Wilkins explains the procedure so you fully understand what will be done. Would definitely recommend this practice.

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What to Expect During Your Visit

Oral Appliance Therapy

Often the first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy repositions the lower jaw into a more favorable position. This opens the airway and allows for more oxygen to pass through.

"Dr. Wilkins is a qualified dentist recognized by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)."

Dental Impressions

In order to create your custom oral appliance, your dentist must take impressions of your teeth. Our Aiken dental team, serving greater Augusta, uses a digital handheld scanner to capture these images.

Oral Appliance Fabrication

Your impressions are then uploaded to our software and sent to a dental lab. There, a trained technician crafts your new device according to your dentist's recommendations.

Fitting Your Appliance

When your custom oral appliance has been made, the lab ships it back to our Aiken office. We will schedule you for a second appointment so your dentist can ensure a proper fit. Treating sleep apnea at our office consists of an evaluation, exam, an oral appliance, and follow-up appointments.

Request a Sleep Apnea Consultation Today

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Help?

before and after sleep apnea treatment — An oral appliance positions the jaw to open up the upper airway. When you treat sleep apnea, you reduce the risk for a number of other serious ailments, including heart problems and high blood pressure.

Treating the Root Cause With MyoBrace

There are several factors that can lead to sleep apnea. Oftentimes, it is due to developmental issues or poor oral habits. MyoBrace® is a revolutionary system that addresses these concerns and can be tailored to patients of all ages.

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"I love this office." Read More 5-Star Reviews of Our Aiken Practice

The staff is excellent and takes care of their guests. I leave every time feeling well taken care of!

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Center for Dentistry is an excellent group! I've been a patient here since moving to Aiken, and have been absolutely impressed at the high quality care during each visit. The staff are all amazing, and both Dr Tal and Dr Leah are wonderful! I recommend them to anyone seeking a high quality caring dental practice!

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Sleep Apnea Treatment