If you’ve been told you snore loudly, gasp for air during the night, or wake up feeling exhausted no matter how many hours you’ve slept, you might be dealing with more than just a nuisance. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of Americans, and many people in Sherman, TX don’t realize their dentist can actually help. At Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry, we understand how frustrating it is to feel tired all day, struggle with focus at work, or worry about your health because you’re not getting the restful sleep your body desperately needs.
The good news? You don’t have to live with poor sleep anymore. Our dental team specializes in sleep apnea treatment that’s comfortable, effective, and designed specifically for your unique situation. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to keep up with your family or an adult concerned about long-term health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease, we’re here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
Let’s talk about what sleep apnea really is, how it impacts your daily life, and why Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry might be exactly where you need to turn for relief.
Understanding Sleep Apnea and Why It Matters to Your Health
Sleep apnea is more than just loud snoring or occasional restlessness. It’s a condition where your breathing actually stops and starts repeatedly throughout the night, sometimes hundreds of times. When this happens, your brain and body aren’t getting enough oxygen, which triggers you to wake up briefly to resume breathing. Most people don’t even remember these episodes, but they wreak havoc on your sleep quality and overall health.
There are different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much and block your airway. At our Sherman, TX practice, we see patients every week who’ve been suffering with symptoms like morning headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and daytime drowsiness without realizing sleep apnea is the culprit.
What makes this condition particularly concerning is the long-term health consequences. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to serious conditions including stroke, diabetes, depression, and cardiovascular problems. That’s why our dentists at Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry take this so seriously and work closely with your physician to ensure you’re getting comprehensive care.
How Your Dentist Can Help With Sleep Apnea
You might be wondering why you’d visit a dental office for a sleep problem. Here’s the thing: your dentist is uniquely positioned to identify and treat sleep apnea because we understand the anatomy of your mouth, jaw, and airway better than almost anyone. During routine dental exams, our experienced dentists can spot warning signs like worn teeth from grinding, a scalloped tongue, or a narrow airway that might indicate breathing issues during sleep.
At Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliance therapy, which is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP machines for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices look similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer and work by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open while you sleep.
What our patients in Sherman, TX love about oral appliances is how much easier they are to use compared to bulky CPAP equipment. They’re quiet, portable for travel, easy to clean, and don’t require electricity or hoses. Dr. Miranda Hansen and our team take precise impressions and measurements to create a custom-fitted appliance that’s comfortable enough to wear all night, every night.
Signs You Should Talk to Our Team About Sleep Apnea
Many people dismiss their symptoms or assume nothing can be done, but recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward better sleep and health. If you or your partner notice loud, chronic snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, or choking or gasping sounds at night, it’s time to reach out to Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry. Other common symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, experiencing morning headaches, having trouble staying asleep, or feeling excessively sleepy during the day despite spending plenty of time in bed.
We also encourage families to pay attention to these signs in loved ones. Sometimes it’s easier for someone else to notice the breathing interruptions or concerning sounds during sleep. Our dental team creates a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can discuss your concerns openly and get the answers you need.
What to Expect During Your Sleep Apnea Consultation
When you visit Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry for a sleep apnea consultation, we start by listening to your experience. We want to understand your symptoms, how long you’ve been dealing with them, and how they’re affecting your quality of life. Our dentists will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and jaw to assess your airway and identify any structural issues that might be contributing to your sleep problems.
Depending on what we find, we may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of your condition. We work collaboratively with sleep physicians in the Sherman, TX area to ensure you receive accurate testing and coordinated care. Once we have a clear picture of your situation, we’ll discuss whether an oral appliance is right for you and explain exactly how the treatment process works.
If you decide to move forward with oral appliance therapy, we’ll take detailed impressions of your teeth to create a device that fits perfectly and works effectively. We’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to make any necessary adjustments and ensure you’re experiencing the relief you deserve. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way until you’re sleeping soundly again.
Why Choose Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment
At Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry, we’re not just treating a condition—we’re helping you reclaim your energy, health, and happiness. Our practice is built on the foundation of genuine care for our patients and their families. We take the time to explain everything in plain language, answer all your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment plan.
What sets our Sherman, TX practice apart is our commitment to personalized care and long-term relationships. We’ve been serving this community for years, and we understand the unique needs of families and adults in our area. Whether you’re juggling work and kids or managing your own health concerns, we’ll work with your schedule and your specific situation to provide solutions that truly fit your life.
Dr. Lance Johnson and our entire dental team stay current with the latest advances in sleep dentistry so we can offer you the most effective, comfortable treatments available. We invest in quality materials, precise technology, and ongoing education because your well-being matters to us.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep Tonight
You don’t have to spend another night struggling to breathe or another day fighting exhaustion. Sleep apnea is treatable, and the team at Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry is ready to help you find relief. If you’re in Sherman, TX and suspect you might have sleep apnea, or if you’ve already been diagnosed and are looking for a CPAP alternative, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists.
Give us a call at 903-893-2540 to set up your appointment, or stop by our office to learn more about how restorative dental solutions can improve your sleep and overall health. Your journey to restful nights and energized days starts with a simple conversation. Let Dr. Lance Johnson Family Dentistry be your partner in achieving the healthy, vibrant life you deserve—one good night’s sleep at a time.
