Sleep Apnea Treatment for a Restful Night's Sleep
Have you ever been told that you snore? You’re not alone! Millions of people suffer from the effects of snoring and sleep apnea. Many of our patients have struggled to find effective solutions to resolve their sleep apnea symptoms. At Amador Dental & Orthodontic, Dr. DeVinney’s goal is to help you get the quiet, restful sleep you deserve!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
There are two different types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Both are considered to be sleep breathing disorders.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This condition indicates that the soft tissue at the back of your throat is collapsing while you sleep, blocking your airway. This is the most common type.
Central Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea is caused by instability in your respiratory control center. Essentially, your brain fails to send the signal to your lungs that you need to breathe fully while sleeping.
Most people with sleep apnea snore heavily, then stop breathing while they are still asleep. The sleeping person is observed to be struggling to breathe, but there is no snoring sound.
These periods of stopped breathing are often followed by a gasping or choking sound. The person with sleep apnea will partially awaken in order to breathe, leading to fragmented sleep patterns.
What Are The Dangers Of Sleep Apnea?
Doctors estimate that 9.1% of men and 4% of women have sleep apnea in the United States alone. Those statistics mean that roughly 1 in every 15 people are living with sleep apnea. This condition can mean you’re at a higher risk for:
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Depression
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Diabetes
- Worsening ADHD
Not getting enough restful sleep can also take a toll on your personal and professional life, leaving you groggy and tired throughout the day.
Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can be measured by the number of times you stop or reduce your breathing every hour. Together, these events are counted and referred to as the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).
A sleep study can measure your AHI as well as the drop in your blood-oxygen levels to help determine if you are suffering from sleep apnea and how serious the condition is.
What Treatments Are Available For Sleep Apnea?
There are several treatment options. At Amador Dental & Orthodontic, we offer:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A CPAP machine is the most common treatment for most people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machine has a small air blower connected to a cushioned plastic mask that covers your nose. The blower forces air through a flexible hose into the mask to help keep your airways open while you sleep.
The Moses® Oral Appliance
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a CPAP machine. That’s why Dr. DeVinney recommends some patients The Moses® - an FDA cleared intraoral device to help treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
This intraoral device is similar to a retainer or mouth guard. It slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue, which can better open your airway during sleep. This type of device can improve your breathing and reduce snoring.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation With Dr. DeVinney Today!
Sleep is vital to your health and quality of life, so if you’re concerned that you or your loved one suffers from sleep apnea, give our Pleasanton dental practice a call. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about sleep apnea or any of the other services we offer.
A consultation with Dr. DeVinney is the perfect way to answer all of your questions and determine if sleep apnea treatment could be the best solution for your health and wellness!
Dr. Rondon, our in-house periodontist, is able to use laser dentistry to deliver precise treatments that are more comfortable in a shorter time.