Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Diego, CA
Sleep apnea is an everyday sleep disorder that involves interruptions in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping. These interruptions can last a few seconds to several minutes and happen multiple times throughout the night. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive, when the airway is partially or completely blocked during sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea Treatment?
While some treatments for sleep apnea can be invasive, several options are available. Here are the most commonly suggested methods:
- Weight Loss: Shedding excess weight can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
- Sleep Position Therapy: Changing positions can improve airflow and reduce breathing obstructions.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP): This therapy involves wearing a mask that sends a constant stream of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention helps to remove obstructions in the airway.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Dentists often recommend oral appliance therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea.
What Are Oral Appliances and How Can You Get Them?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are custom-made devices crafted from acrylic. You wear them in the mouth while sleeping and function by holding the jaw forward, thus keeping the airway open during sleep.
Who Are They For?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are for individuals with moderate to slight obstructive sleep apnea who find it challenging to tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
How Can You Get One?
If you suspect an oral appliance might suit you, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a dental professional specializing in sleep apnea treatment in San Diego, CA. They will comprehensively evaluate your oral health and sleep apnea symptoms to determine if an oral appliance is an appropriate treatment for you.
The Process : If an oral appliance is deemed suitable, the dental professional at Scripps Poway Dental Care Will take impressions of your tooth and send them to a dental laboratory to make the custom appliance. Once the appliance is ready, you will return to the dental office for fitting and adjustments to ensure a comfortable and effective fit.
Follow-up Care : Regular follow-up appointments with your dental professional are important to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the oral appliance and to make any necessary adjustments. Additionally, maintaining good sleep hygiene habits, such as sticking to a steady sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and sleeping on your side, can further support your treatment.
In summary, oral appliances for sleep apnea can be an effective remedy for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. If you believe you may benefit from this treatment, schedule an appointment with a professional at Scripps Poway Dental Care, specializing in sleep apnea, to learn more about your options.
FAQS
Sleep apnea is actually a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can cause loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and restless sleep. Many people don’t realize they have it until a partner notices symptoms or they undergo a sleep evaluation.
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, and feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with a dentist or physician who can guide you toward proper testing.
Yes. Many dentists offer custom oral appliances that position the jaw and airway to reduce nighttime breathing interruptions. These devices are often helpful for people having mild to moderate sleep apnea or the patients who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
An oral appliance is basically a custom-made device worn during sleep that gently shifts the jaw forward to help keep the airway open. It is comfortable, easy to travel with, and doesn’t require electricity. Many patients prefer it over bulky CPAP equipment.
Most people adjust to it within a few nights. The device is designed to fit securely without feeling bulky. Some mild jaw soreness can occur at first, but it usually improves quickly as you get used to wearing it.
Yes, a sleep study—either at home or in a sleep lab—is often needed to confirm the diagnosis and check the severity of the condition. This information helps your dentist choose the right treatment approach and monitor your progress effectively.
Your dentist at Scripps Poway Dental Care will schedule follow-up visits to check the fit, comfort, and effectiveness of the device. Adjustments may be made as needed. Many patients see improvements in sleep quality and daytime alertness after consistent use.
