Take Control of Your Sleep and Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Appliance Dentist Near Me in Bellevue WA Area

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) condition characterized by stop-and-start cycles when breathing. Left untreated, sleep apnea heightens the risk of cardiovascular complications, diabetes, hypertension, and other complications.

Cosmos Dentistry offers non-invasive solutions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Unlike CPAP therapy, our sleep apnea solutions in Bellevue, Washington, are comfortable and easy to use.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea disrupts healthy breathing during sleep, causing disruptions lasting for 10 seconds or more. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common and occurs when the upper airway is obstructed when soft tissues at the back of the throat relax too much. While anyone can get OSA, people with excess weight, poor genetics, thick necks, and enlarged tonsils are more likely to develop OSA.

The common symptoms of OSA include:

Chronic snoring
Headaches, especially when you wake up
Gasping for air during sleep
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Mood changes and irritability
Decreased sex drive

Treating sleep apnea enhances your quality of life, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities—starting with restful sleep. It also lowers the risk of severe health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, managing sleep apnea boosts focus and alertness, improving performance at work and school. Without treatment, daytime brain fog can interfere with productivity and overall well-being.

How is sleep apnea treated?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is one of the most common treatments for OSA. CPAP therapy uses a machine to deliver a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask, preventing airway collapse. CPAP therapy maintains healthy breathing and improves sleep quality. CPAPs are effective, but many patients discontinue treatment, citing discomfort, noise, and cumbersomeness.

If you can’t tolerate CPAP therapy, Dr. Tokiko Poppe provides alternatives that deliver comparable results. Our first line of treatment is a customized mouthguard, which repositions your tongue and lower jaw to keep the airway open. Instead of masks, slip the retainer-like device in your mouth and enjoy your sleep. Many patients love sleep apnea oral appliances because they are comfortable, discreet, noiseless, and easy to use and maintain.

Our dentist also advises on lifestyle changes to manage OSA. Weight loss, sleeping on your side (lateral position), and avoiding alcohol before bed can help manage mild OSA. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and drug use can also manage sleep apnea.

Call Our Office for More Information

New Patients: (425) 448-4770 | Existing Patients: (425) 458-4940
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What are other ways of addressing OSA?

Our approach to sleep apnea is holistic. Dr. Poppe uses myofunctional therapy to retrain the tongue to curb poor oral habits like tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, etc. Myofunctional exercises are especially useful in children to correct poor habits that may have long-lasting effects on airway health.

There is also an option of palatal expanders for children and teens. A palatal expander gradually widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the mid-palatal suture. Over time, this creates more space in the oral cavity, which can help alleviate airway restrictions.

Do you need sleep apnea treatment near Bellevue?

Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep. So, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s time to talk to Cosmos Dentistry for relief. Call (425) 448-4770 or book an online appointment with Dr. Poppe.

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Dr. Tokiko Poppe

Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects of dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate in school.

Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD, AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has completed Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.

She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.