Sleep Apnea Treatment
In Richardson, TX
Breathe better and sleep safely with custom oral appliances. Dr. Morgan treats obstructive sleep apnea in Richardson with comfortable alternatives to CPAP that help you get the oxygen your body needs.
WHY SLEEP HEALTH MATTERS
We're concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep disruptive disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with this condition before having a stroke.
Sleep apnea isn't just about snoring or feeling tired. It's a serious medical condition that affects your heart, brain, and overall health. Every time you stop breathing during sleep, your oxygen levels drop and your body goes into crisis mode. This happens dozens or even hundreds of times per night for people with untreated sleep apnea.
Our training allows us to offer you education and treatment surrounding sleep health in the simplest and most cost-effective way possible. Dr. Morgan works closely with sleep physicians to provide oral appliance therapy that's comfortable, effective, and easier to tolerate than CPAP machines.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Many Richardson patients don't realize they have sleep apnea. Watch for these warning signs.
Loud, Chronic Snoring
Loud snoring that occurs almost every night, especially with pauses or gasping sounds, is a major sign of sleep apnea.
Witnessed Breathing Pauses
If your partner notices you stop breathing during sleep, even briefly, this is a clear indication of sleep apnea.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep
Waking up gasping for air or feeling like you're choking is a sign your airway is closing.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Feeling exhausted despite spending enough time in bed, falling asleep during the day, or needing multiple naps are common symptoms.
Morning Headaches
Frequent headaches upon waking can result from low oxygen levels during the night.
Difficulty Concentrating
Memory problems, difficulty focusing, and reduced mental clarity can all stem from poor sleep quality.
Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat often indicates mouth breathing due to airway obstruction.
High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is a major cause of hypertension that doesn't respond well to medication alone.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea may involve surgery, CPAP or BiPAP machines, or oral appliance therapy.
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CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
This machine delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open. It's the gold standard treatment but many patients find it uncomfortable and stop using it.
Surgery
Procedures to remove tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant devices. Usually reserved for severe cases or when other treatments fail.
Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, sleeping on your side, and treating nasal congestion can help but rarely cure sleep apnea on their own.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Custom devices worn during sleep that reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a primary therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who can't tolerate CPAP treatment.
Getting Your Sleep Apnea Appliance
Dr. Morgan works with your sleep physician to provide comprehensive treatment for your sleep apnea.
Request an appointmentStep 1: Sleep Study and Diagnosis
Your physician orders a sleep study and diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea. They determine the severity and recommend treatment options, including oral appliance therapy.
Step 2: Consultation with Dr. Morgan
We'll examine your teeth, jaw, and airway. Dr. Morgan will discuss how oral appliance therapy works and whether it's appropriate for your situation. We'll review your sleep study results and coordinate with your physician.
Step 3: Impressions and Fabrication
We'll take detailed impressions of your teeth to create a custom appliance. The appliance is fabricated by a specialized lab over about two weeks.
Step 4: Fitting and Calibration
When your appliance is ready, Dr. Morgan will fit it and adjust it to the precise position needed to keep your airway open. She'll teach you how to insert, remove, and care for it.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Adjustment
You'll return for follow-up visits so Dr. Morgan can fine-tune the appliance position. Most patients need a few adjustments to achieve optimal results and comfort.
ADJUSTING TO YOUR APPLIANCE
Most patients adjust to their sleep apnea appliance within a few nights.
Initial Adjustment
Your mouth may feel full, and you might produce extra saliva for the first few nights. This is normal and goes away quickly.
Jaw Soreness
Some patients experience mild jaw soreness, especially in the morning. This usually resolves within a week or two as your muscles adapt.
Gradual Improvement
You might not notice dramatic changes immediately. Most patients report feeling more rested and alert after a few weeks of consistent use.
Consistency Is Key
Wear your appliance every night. Skipping nights allows your airway to collapse again and prevents you from getting the full benefits.
Communication
Let Dr. Morgan know if you experience persistent discomfort, difficulty sleeping with the appliance, or any other concerns. Most issues can be resolved with simple adjustments.
Long-Term Use
You'll need to wear your appliance every night for as long as you have sleep apnea. Think of it like glasses for your airway - it works when you use it.
DENTISTRY THAT feels different
At Ellem Dental, exceptional care is our standard. Discover how Dr. Morgan's advanced expertise, personalized service, and commitment to your comfort can transform not just your smile, but your entire dental experience.
We use advanced digital X rays and intraoral cameras with comprehensive screening protocols to detect problems early. This preventive approach helps identify issues before they become painful, complex, or costly.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
Diagnostic Precision
We use digital imaging and comprehensive screening protocols that catch problems early. Think of it as preventive intelligence, identifying issues before they become painful or expensive.
We're one of the few practices in Richardson with Kois Center-trained doctors, a distinction that represents hundreds of hours studying functional occlusion, esthetics, and evidence-based dentistry. This isn't just continuing education; it's mastery.
Experience truly personalized care with one-on-one consultations with Dr. Morgan and treatment from our team of experts. We don’t rush, and we don’t double-book. When you’re at ELLEM Dental, you’re always our number one priority.
Dental fear keeps too many people from care. We offer multiple sedation levels and comfort amenities so your treatment happens on your terms, relaxed, informed, and in control.
Our doctor and master ceramist will create a 3D model of your proposed new smile, so you can try in and visualize your new smile before committing to treatment.
From the moment you walk through our doors you’ll be met with the serene and spa-like atmosphere of ELLEM Dental. With individual treatment rooms you can sit back and relax in privacy and comfort during your visit.
FAQS
Common questions about sleep apnea in Richardson, TX
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep due to airway obstruction, dropping oxygen levels and stressing the heart/brain. Common symptoms include loud snoring with pauses/gasping, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, dry mouth/sore throat, difficulty concentrating, and high blood pressure that doesn't respond well to medication.
Custom oral appliance therapy at Ellem Dental in Richardson, TX typically ranges from $1,500 to $4,000 without insurance (average $2,000–$3,000 including consultation, impressions, fabrication, fitting, adjustments, and follow-ups). Many medical/dental insurances cover a significant portion (especially with physician diagnosis); affordable plans start at $49/month and CareCredit available. Call (972) 231-7104 for your personalized estimate.
A custom oral appliance (mouthpiece) worn during sleep repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward to keep the airway open, preventing breathing pauses. It's a non-invasive alternative to CPAP, recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (and some severe cases where CPAP isn't tolerated).
Yes—when properly fitted and used consistently, it significantly reduces or eliminates snoring, breathing pauses, and low oxygen events for many patients. It improves sleep quality, daytime energy, and reduces risks like heart attack (23x higher with untreated sleep disorders) or stroke. Results vary, but follow-ups ensure optimal effectiveness.
Most patients adjust within a few nights to a couple of weeks. Initial feelings of fullness, extra saliva, or mild jaw soreness are normal and temporary. The appliance allows jaw movement and swallowing; discomfort fades quickly with consistent use and minor adjustments.
An oral appliance is a small, portable mouthpiece that's easier to wear, more comfortable for travel, and silent (no machine noise). CPAP uses continuous air pressure via mask and is often first-line for severe cases. Oral appliances are a great alternative for those who can't tolerate CPAP, with similar benefits for mild/moderate apnea.
Have more questions?
Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Morgan .
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Simple secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
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702 West Arapaho Road Ste. 100
Richardson, TX, 75080
Hours
Mon
7:30am - 4:30pm
Tue
7:30am - 4:30pm
Wed
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thu
7:30am - 4:30pm
