Have you been told that you snore? Are you constantly tired, no matter how many hours per night you sleep? Struggling to lose weight? You may be suffering from sleep apnea, a dangerous condition that can cause a long list of potentially fatal health problems. Fortunately, we're here to help!
Gillespie Dentistry proudly offers the very best sleep apnea treatment near Vancouver, WA because patients have Dr. Dennis on their sides.
To commence the process, we ask patients to fill out special forms before coming into our office for their initial sleep apnea appointment. Please fill out the forms and feel free to call us if you have any questions:
Dr. Dennis Gillespie is board-certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, honors that few dentists have enough experience or accolades to carry. He works in tandem with top local sleep apnea doctors to ensure that each and every patient gets the personalized, effective care they deserve. To make treatment even simpler - and more affordable - we accept most medical insurances for this service. We even accept Medicare!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Identified as continual pauses in breathing during sleep, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a reaction to your muscles relaxing during sleep and gravity pulling your airway closed. Sleep apnea can then lead to serious conditions including hypertension, memory loss, mood change, weight gain, and severe fatigue.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea?
- Heavy Snoring
- Periodic Loss Of Breath While Sleeping
- Struggling To Breathe While Sleeping
- Constant Fatigue And Lack Of Energy
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Dry Throat
- Irritability & Mood Swings
Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 22 million people have sleep apnea in the United States alone. If you have been diagnosed with, or suspect that you have this condition, you could be at a higher risk for:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Depression
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Worsening ADHD
How Gillespie Dentistry Treats Sleep Apnea
At Gillespie Dentistry, we treat sleep apnea using comfortable, completely custom mandibular advancement devices from SomnoMed®. SomnoMed mandibular advancement devices are more comfortable and easier-to-use alternatives to CPAP machines. If you ever have any issues with your device, yours will come with a 3-year warranty.
During your initial consultation, you will meet with Dr. Dennis to review your symptoms and medical history. He will take you through the treatment benefits and process, and even bring your spouse into the discussion if need be. From there, he will assess your case to determine if you're a great candidate for our treatment method. He will also communicate with your sleep medicine doctor to ensure your treatment plan is an integrated one.
Your second appointment will kick off your treatment process! Our team will take digital impressions, x-rays, and gather all you need to start treatment. While you are with Dr. Dennis, our talented front office staff will handle all insurance pre-authorizations, working directly with your medical insurance to maximize your benefits.
Soon after, you'll see Dr. Dennis for a fitting appointment. During this appointment, he will ensure that your device is as comfortable and effective as it was designed to be. In the following months, you will come in for adjustments and follow-ups. If you were referred through a sleep medicine doctor, we will be in touch with them for the duration of your treatment.
We'll Bill Your Medical Insurance - Even Medicare!
Most dentists do not bill patients' medical insurance for sleep apnea treatment, but we do! This means that you can receive a thorough screening from the dentist you know and trust, without needing to seek out an outside specialist.
We accept most major insurances for sleep apnea treatment, but we are in-network with United Healthcare, some Regence Healthcare plans, Tri-Care, First Choice Health Network, and Medicare.
If you have questions about the medical insurance billing process, please call today to speak with our friendly team!
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Screening With Dr. Dennis Today!
Don't let sleep apnea put a damper on your life. Call Gillespie Dentistry today to schedule your sleep apnea consultation with Dr. Dennis.