Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and can cause significant problems for your overall health if untreated. We offer solutions to help manage this condition so that you can rest better at night and improve your health and quality of life. Please call A+ Dental & Implant Center to schedule your consultation with one of our caring dentists and learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Escondido and San Diego, California.
Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment Starts with Your Dentist
If you often wake up feeling tired, irritable or groggy despite a full night’s sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder involves repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often caused by a physical obstruction of the airway. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to more than a minute and may occur dozens of times per hour. The result is fragmented, poor-quality sleep that can negatively impact your health and overall quality of life.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close entirely. The brain senses this lack of oxygen and momentarily rouses the body from sleep to reopen the airway. This pattern may repeat throughout the night, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative sleep.
Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type two diabetes and even depression or anxiety. That is why early detection and treatment are essential.
Know the Warning Signs
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it. If you experience loud, chronic snoring, gasping for air during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings or excessive daytime fatigue, it may be time to seek a professional evaluation. Other symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, difficulty concentrating during the day and mood changes such as irritability or depression.
How a Dentist Can Help
While sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, our dentists plays a key role in treatment, especially for mild to moderate cases. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, our dental team can provide a custom-made oral appliance designed to keep your airway open during sleep. These oral devices are similar to mouthguards and work by gently repositioning the lower jaw or tongue to prevent airway blockages.
Oral appliance therapy is noninvasive, comfortable and easy to travel with, making it a popular alternative to CPAP machines. Many patients find that it significantly improves sleep quality and reduces symptoms when used consistently.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, do not ignore the signs. Schedule a consultation with our dental team by calling 760-566-7434 today. We will work closely with your physician to ensure you receive a diagnosis and determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you. With the right treatment, you can enjoy restful sleep, better health and a renewed sense of energy every day.
