Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fair Oaks, CA

Many people have sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes trouble breathing while sleeping. Having sleep apnea can increase a person’s risk for other health problems like heart attack or stroke. People are often curious about whether or not they will have sleep apnea or not, and if genetics play a role. 

Do Genetics Play A Role?

There have been genetic factors that can contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is a type of sleep apnea that causes lapses in breathing by physical airway blockages. 

Studies have shown that people face a greater risk of of developing OSA when they have a close family member with the same disorder. Below are some possible ways genetics can predispose a person to OSA: 

Body Fat Amount and Distribution

Genes impact body weight which influences whether or not a person develops OSA. People who are obese are 10 times more likely to have OSA.

Face Anatomy 

Genes can also affect the way a person’s face and skull is shaped. This includes nose width, nose length, placement of the jaw and other bones, and how wide the airway is and how easily it can become blocked. 

Breathing Control

Experts suggest that genetics could influence the muscles and neural signal involved in breathing. How different people breathes can influence their likelihood of developing sleep apnea. 

Sleep and Circadian Rhythm

People’s genes influence their sleep patterns and schedule, and how well they sleep. 

Even though researchers have been studying the genetics of sleep apnea for over 20 years, there is still very little known about the specific genes associated with sleep-disordered breathing. To learn more about sleep apnea, use the button below or call our office at 916-961-8454.

Learn More About Sleep Apnea at Orcutt Family Dentistry

Sleep Habits in Children

The amount of uninterrupted sleep a growing child gets directly influences their behavior. At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we work to maximize the amount of uninterrupted sleep for our patients so that they can be happier and behave more like themselves. It is critical to diagnose sleep apnea in children as early as possible so that it doesn’t impede their behavior. If your child has healthy sleep habits, they are more likely to be a happy child.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea in Children

At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we try to diagnose sleep apnea in the early stages so that our patients can live a long, happy life without the need of lifelong sleep apnea treatment. The first step in diagnosing sleep apnea is completing our children’s sleep habits questionnaire. We will review the results, and if needed, we’ll ask your child to complete a take-home sleep test. Once we have all of the data, we will discuss options with you and your child to find the best solution for their needs.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Behavior

Sleep apnea is directly related to a child’s behavior because if a child isn’t getting a good night’s sleep, they will likely be cranky and moodier. Poor quality sleep means daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability and mood swings. Sleep apnea has been linked to elevated rates of ADHD-like behavioral issues in kids, in addition to learning and adaptive problems.

Kids with persistent sleep apnea were shown to be seven times more likely to have parent-documented learning issues and three times more likely to earn a grade C or under. Orcutt Family Dentistry take sleep apnea in children very seriously because they know first-hand how it can affect a child’s behavior and overall happiness.

If you suspect your child may have sleep apnea, please contact our office to learn more and schedule an appointment. We are passionate about healthy sleeping habits in kids and treating the symptoms early on. To learn more about sleep apnea click the button below.

Dental Implants in Fair Oaks, CA

One of the hottest topics in dentistry today is the use of dental implants. Implants have certainly revolutionized the field of replacement teeth. If you are considering tooth implants for missing teeth, you need to know the facts. There are pros and cons of dental implants that are carefully weighed by your dentist before surgery can be scheduled. 

Research continually shows that dental implants are the best long-term solution to replace missing teeth. However, like any type of surgery, there are advantages and disadvantages. 

Cons of Dental Implants

No procedure is right for everyone, including dental implants. While there are some risks associated with dental implants, they are relatively mild. The disadvantages include: 

• You have to meet a set of requirements
  • In order to have dental implant surgery, you first have to meet certain criteria. As the procedure involves anchoring the implant to your jaw bone, if you’ve experienced significant bone loss as a result of losing teeth, there may not be enough for the dental implant to be successful. You also have to be in good health so your jawbone can fully recover.  
• The cost of the procedure
  • While dental implants are the best long-term solution for tooth loss, they’re not always the most cost-effective. However, dental implants are well worth the price for the comfort, confidence and natural feel they give you. 
• The procedure can be lengthy
  • Dental implants are not a quick fix and can take several months to complete. If you’re replacing an existing damaged tooth, this will first need to be removed. Your dentist will then need to prepare the tooth site before fitting the implant anchor. Once the anchor has been fitted, you’ll need to wait several months while it heals and the surrounding bone grows. The final stage of the procedure involves placing the artificial tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants

While there are some drawbacks to dental implants, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. 

• They look and feel like natural teeth
  • Dental implants have the appearance of real teeth. In fact, once your implant has been fitted, you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference between your replacement tooth and your real teeth. Implants also won’t feel any different from your regular teeth. Since the implants are anchored to your jaw, they’ll feel just as strong as your regular teeth too. 
• You can eat and chew with ease
  • Unlike dentures, implants won’t feel any different than your regular teeth when eating and chewing. Once the dental implant procedure is complete, you can eat what you want! Whether you fancy crunchy snacks, chewy foods, or hot or cold drinks, you can eat and drink without concern — just remember not to overdo the sugary treats.
• Dental implants can last a lifetime
  • Implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement solution. You may need to replace the crowns every 10-15 years, but if you look after the implants, they can last a lifetime.
• They’re easy to take care of
  • You should take care of your implants the same way you would take care of your regular teeth with daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and a healthy diet. 
• They prevent bone loss
  • Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, similar to your real teeth. The screw thread of the implant acts as the root of a natural tooth, so with dental implants, your jaw bone remains strong and you won’t experience bone loss.

You can see that the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. Dental implants have been proven to be a great option for people who suffer from tooth loss. We always want to make our patients look and feel great, and dental implants is a great way to do that. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call! 

It’s Time For Your 6-Month Visit

Now that the rush of going back to school is over, it is time to schedule a visit to the dentist. And not just for the kids! At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we make this easy to do by offering online scheduling on our website or by calling our office. This allows you to find a date and time that works best for you and your family. With the busy holiday season approaching, it is important to maintain a happy, healthy smile.

How often should you go to the dentist?

For regular dental check-ups, we recommend visiting every six months. Check-ups at least every six months will allow you to keep your mouth healthy. It also allows our team to stay up to date on any changes that may have occurred. According to the American Dental Association, a check-up and cleaning every six months is the best way to maintain a healthy smile. A good habit of brushing and flossing daily will keep teeth clean and healthy in between visits.

Why are dental checkups important?

Through examination by a trained dentist, many oral health concerns can be detected and then treated. Dental checkups provide professional cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and digital X-rays to check for hidden issues. This helps to eliminate plaque buildup and other bacteria that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.

Why are brushing and flossing so important?

It is important to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. While you are brushing, make sure to brush every surface of the tooth. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a shape that best fits your mouth will result in the best cleaning. A toothbrush that correctly fits into your mouth will allow you to reach every tooth effectively. Brushing before school and before bed is a great schedule to aim for. Adding flossing to your brushing routine will take the cleaning to the next level. Flossing allows you to get a deeper clean between the teeth, where a toothbrush might not reach. Starting a thorough oral hygiene routine is key to maintaining optimal oral health in between dental visits. It might seem difficult to start, but add it to the morning routine before school.

Regular dental checkups are a must to keep a healthy and clean mouth. Talk with your dentist about any issues you are having with your teeth. The key is continuing to visit the dentist for regular teeth cleanings to prevent problems altogether. Here at Orcutt Family Dentistry, we’re always here to help you. Call our office at 916-961-8454 to get an appointment for a dental checkup.