What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of breathing cessation (apnea) during sleep, typically lasting 10 seconds or longer and occurring multiple times throughout the night. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping or choking episodes, and morning headaches. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Types of Sleep Apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common form and occurs when the airway becomes obstructed by soft tissues in the back of the throat, such as the tongue or uvula, during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Caused by the brain’s failure to send appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing, leading to periodic pauses in respiration.\
- Complex Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A sleep study can help diagnose sleep apnea, which monitors a person’s breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns overnight. Treatment options include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: A device that delivers pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep to keep the airway open.
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices worn over the teeth to help prevent airway collapse.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help reduce symptoms.
- Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, we may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue or reposition structures in the airway to improve airflow.
Our Treatment for Mild and Moderate Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea frequently occurs due to the tightening of the airway at the back of the throat during sleep. At DuSmile, we provide SomnoMed oral appliances, such as the SomnoDent Avant®, which can help reposition the jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open and effectively managing sleep apnea.
In comparison to using a CPAP mask, the SomnoDent Avant® delivers a markedly greater comfort level. Upon placement in your mouth, it effortlessly conforms to your teeth, ensuring a gentle, supportive, and secure fit.
Our goal is to make your sleep apnea treatment experience as smooth as possible, following a clear and structured process:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive oral evaluation by our doctors, followed by the ordering of a sleep study.
Scans and Impressions
Next, we will take detailed scans and impressions of your teeth, which we will send to our lab to fabricate your custom SomnoMed oral appliance.
Treatment Implementation
Once your SomnoMed oral appliance is ready, we will ensure a proper fit and provide guidance on its use. By wearing it nightly, the device will help open your airway, promoting deeper, higher-quality sleep and improving your breathing.
Find Relief for Your Sleep Apnea in Ripon
We take pride in offering a wide range of dental services to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Our services include everything from general dentistry to dental implants to cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need routine cleanings, restorative procedures, or a complete smile makeover, our experienced team is here to provide expert care in a warm and welcoming environment. We can help you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that boosts your confidence and enhances your quality of life.
And if you’re having trouble sleeping, we provide expert care for sleep apnea in Ripon. Our patient-centered approach focuses on solutions that restore comfort and improve your overall well-being. Schedule your appointment Dr. Du, Dr. Hui, or Dr. Chang, to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.