Sleep Apnea Treatment
Burbank, CA
Sleep Apnea Treatment provided by Lawrence Toomin, DDS
and Mark Bieber, DDS
in Burbank, CA at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry
Proper sleep is essential for well-being. However, many individuals suffer from a condition known as sleep apnea, which can disrupt the restorative power of sleep and lead to a host of health issues.
Interestingly, sleep apnea can sometimes be linked to dental issues. Problems like misaligned teeth or jaw-related concerns can obstruct the airway, causing disruptions during sleep. Experts in airway dentistry, such as Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry, specialize in identifying and addressing dental factors contributing to sleep apnea. We offer effective solutions to help individuals breathe easier and sleep better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by frequent interruptions or pauses in breathing that occur during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can be caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, temporarily obstructing the airway. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea experience disrupted sleep patterns and, in some cases, may even wake up briefly due to breathing interruptions. If left untreated, this condition can lead to various health problems and a reduced quality of life.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are three primary types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea. It is characterized by the excessive relaxation of throat muscles during sleep. This causes the airway to become blocked or narrowed, resulting in repeated interruptions in breathing, often causing loud snoring.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
CSA is less common and arises from a failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. In CSA, the airway remains open, but the individual experiences a lack of effort to breathe, leading to temporary pauses in breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
This condition, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, combines features of both OSA and CSA. It often occurs when OSA is treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy but leads to the development of central apneas.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is often referred to as a "silent" condition because individuals may not be aware of their breathing interruptions during sleep. However, there are common symptoms that can indicate the presence of sleep apnea:
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Loud Snoring
Especially in the case of OSA, loud and frequent snoring is a prevalent symptom.
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Gasping or Choking
Individuals with sleep apnea may wake up suddenly at night gasping for air or choking.
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Excessive Daytime Fatigue
Daytime sleepiness and fatigue are hallmark signs of sleep apnea, impacting daily functioning.
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Morning Headaches
Morning headaches can often occur as a result of sleep apnea, stemming from the reduced oxygen levels during periods of interrupted breathing while sleeping.
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Difficulty Concentrating
Cognitive issues, such as difficulty concentrating or memory problems, are common among those with untreated sleep apnea.
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Mood Changes
Irritability, mood swings, and depression can be associated with sleep apnea. |
Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can have serious consequences for overall health. Some of the potential health risks and consequences of untreated sleep apnea include:
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High Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea is closely linked to hypertension (high blood pressure), which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Heart Problems
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to irregular heart rhythms, an increased risk of heart attacks, and heart failure.
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Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
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Depression
Sleep apnea is often connected with mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.
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Daytime Fatigue
Chronic fatigue due to sleep apnea can lead to accidents at work or while driving. |
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available to help individuals regain restful sleep and mitigate the associated health risks when managing sleep apnea. Two commonly used approaches are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and dental appliances.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective and widely used treatment for sleep apnea, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This therapy involves using a CPAP machine, which delivers a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth.
The purpose of CPAP therapy is to prevent the collapse or narrowing of the airway during sleep. By maintaining a steady flow of air pressure, the CPAP machine ensures that the airway remains open and unobstructed. This allows individuals to breathe freely without interruptions, significantly improving sleep quality.
While CPAP therapy is highly beneficial, it may not suit everyone. Some individuals find the mask uncomfortable, and compliance with therapy can be challenging. This is where dental appliances for sleep apnea, a crucial aspect of airway dentistry, come into play.
Dental Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Dental appliances, or mandibular advancement devices, are custom-made devices designed to address sleep apnea by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue. These appliances are an excellent alternative for individuals who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or impractical.
The dental appliance is worn in the mouth during sleep and is designed to hold the lower jaw slightly forward. This forward positioning helps keep the airway open, preventing the collapse of soft tissues at the back of the throat that can lead to breathing interruptions.
Airway dentistry specialists, such as Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry, are experts in designing and fitting these custom dental appliances. They work closely with patients to ensure the device is tailored to their needs and effectively relieves sleep apnea symptoms.
Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Surgical procedures for sleep apnea are typically considered when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief or when there are anatomical issues that contribute to the condition. Several surgical approaches can be used to address sleep apnea, and the choice of surgery depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common surgical options include:
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Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)
This procedure involves the removal of excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway. It is often performed to alleviate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by reducing the risk of airway blockage.
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Genioglossus Advancement (GA)
GA surgery repositions the tongue muscle attachment to prevent the tongue from collapsing backward during sleep. It helps maintain a more open airway.
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Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
MMA surgery involves repositioning the upper and lower jaw to create more space at the back of the throat. This procedure is effective for some individuals with sleep apnea.
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Inspire Therapy
A newer surgical option, Inspire Therapy, involves implanting a device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, which controls tongue movement. By activating this nerve during sleep, the airway is kept open. |
It's important to note that surgical interventions are typically considered after a thorough evaluation by a sleep specialist and consultation with an otolaryngologist or oral surgeon. The decision to undergo surgery should be made carefully, considering the potential risks and benefits.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
Treating sleep apnea offers many benefits, not only for improved sleep quality but also for overall health and well-being. Some of the key advantages of treating sleep apnea include:
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Improved Sleep Quality
Effective treatment results in uninterrupted, restorative sleep, leading to increased energy and alertness during the day.
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Reduced Health Risks
Managing sleep apnea can lower the risk of serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
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Enhanced Cognitive Function
Treating sleep apnea can lead to improved concentration, memory, and cognitive performance.
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Mood Improvement
Many individuals experience reduced irritability and improved mood after effective treatment. |
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Conversely, leaving sleep apnea untreated can result in various health risks and consequences, underscoring the importance of seeking appropriate treatment. Some of the potential risks of untreated sleep apnea include:
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Worsening Health Problems
Sleep apnea can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of developing new ones.
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Reduced Quality of Life
Persistent fatigue and sleepiness can diminish one's quality of life and overall enjoyment.
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Daytime Drowsiness
Excessive daytime drowsiness may lead to accidents and decreased productivity.
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Strain on Relationships
Loud snoring and sleep disturbances can strain relationships with partners or roommates. |
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation With Your Burbank Dentist Today!
If you are tired of not getting proper sleep, or always feeling as if you do not have enough energy to get through your days, contact Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry.
We can help you get to the bottom of your sleep problems, enabling you to rest well once again. We know how important it is for you to get a good night's sleep. We will do whatever it takes to help you get there, starting with the least invasive measures possible to see if they have an impact on your life.
In the end, our oral appliance therapy can help you reposition your jaw and get the sleep you need without any discomfort, invasive surgeries, or embarrassment.
Call us today (818) 748-9998 |
