Our Process
Getting better sleep starts with a simple process. At Louisiana Sleep Solutions, we make it easy to identify, diagnose, and treat sleep apnea. Here’s how to get started:
01.
New Patient Appointment
New Patient Appointment
The New Patient appointment consists of a full mouth digital x-rays and pictures. Dr. Soileau needs to ensure that the dental health is adequate for oral appliance therapy.
If he sees any dental issues, he will inform you. We work with your current dentist on any dental treatment you might need. We are not trying to replace your dentist. You do not have to be a dental patient to be a sleep patient!
Dr. Soileau will review the various models that he offers. He’ll discuss the Pros and Cons of each, so you can make the most informed choice. He’ll answer any treatment questions that you might have.
02.
Home Sleep Study
Most people think of an in-lab sleep study. There are 14 leads attached to your body, window/cameras for people to ‘watch’ you, not your mattress or temperature plus other differences. Definitely doesn’t sound like your ‘normal’ night of sleep.
With our home testing system, you can keep your normal nighttime schedule, stay in your own home and not anyone watch you sleep. We tell or patients not to study for this test. What do we mean by that? Well, if you normally have an adult beverage or two before bed, we want you to still do that.
We offer the tiniest home sleep testing unit on the market. Bluetooth connectivity, easy to wear and quick results!
03.
Digital Impressions
Gone are the days of having to place trays of goop in your mouth for most impressions. Today’s technology allows for full arch digital impression scanning.
After the assistant scans your digital impressions, Dr. Soileau will capture your bite record for starting placement.
These records are submitted to the lab directly from the scanning unit.
04.
Delivery Appointment
Most labs turnaround time is about 4 weeks. We do our utmost to schedule your delivery appointment within 24 hours of receiving your case from the lab. We understand the importance of starting treatment as soon as possible.
You will be fitted with an AM Aligner during this appointment. This appliance will be utilized in the mornings to ensure your daytime bite is not affected by your OSA treatment.
The assistant will verify the appliance is fitting as it should. They will review all wear and care instructions with you. A home cleaning kit is included.
05.
Follow-Up Appointments
The oral appliance needs to be adjusted initially in treatment. Depending on which model you selected, we will have you return in either one week or one month for your first adjustment appointment.
The facial muscles of patients with OSA are usually tight. We include four TENS sessions (similar to an electronic massage) as part of the treatment package. This loosens the facial muscles to increase comfort.
To gauge the progress of your treatment, we will periodically ask you to perform titration home sleep studies. You will be assigned a testing unit for your convenience.
