Sleep Apnea
Rediscover restful nights and vibrant days with sleep apnea treatment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Fair Oaks, CA
At Orcutt Family Dentistry, we understand that a good night’s sleep is crucial to your health and overall well-being. Our dedicated team of experts is trained in sleep medicine, and we offer comprehensive solutions to effectively manage and treat sleep apnea. We can help treat sleep apnea so you can achieve restful sleep and improve your overall quality of life.
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What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. There are three main types:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form caused by airway blockage.
- Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
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How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves reviewing medical and family histories, a physical examination, and sleep study tests.
The most definitive test, polysomnography, is conducted at a sleep center and monitors various body functions during sleep, including brain electrical activity, eye movement, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. Following the sleep test, a specialist analyzes brain activity and body system functioning to diagnose a sleep disorder and recommend treatment.
A dentist trained in sleep medicine works with the specialist to treat patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy.
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What are common sleep apnea symptoms?
- loud snoring
- episodes where the patient ceases breathing
- awakening abruptly with shortness of breath
- a sore throat or dry mouth
- headaches
- difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
- excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- attention problems
- irritability
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How is sleep apnea treated?
Sleep apnea treatment may vary depending on the severity of the disorder and the underlying cause. Common treatments include lifestyle changes (such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and altering sleep positions), using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device that keeps airways open during sleep, and dental devices that adjust the position of the lower jaw and tongue. More severe cases might require surgery.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about sleep apnea or would like to schedule an appointment with Orcutt Family Dentistry, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
