Top Rated Sleep Apnea Dentist in the Bay Area
Sleep Apnea is a chronic sleep disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted and is accompanied by frequent snorting and choking sounds. Sleep Apnea affects the natural breathing rhythm and you may stop breathing more than 100 times in your sleep.
Types of Sleep Apnea:
Central Sleep Apnea:
When the brain fails to transmit accurate signals, the muscles that control breathing work inappropriately. This creates a significant disruption in the respiratory system.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
It is the most common type of Sleep Apnea. When the muscular tissues in the back of throat collapse, the airway gets blocked or narrowed. This reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and lungs. As a result, heavy snoring is witnessed.
Complex Sleep Apnea:
It’s a new type of Sleep Apnea, in which both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea together affect an individual.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Loud snoring accompanied by frequent snorting and choking sounds.
- Repeated pauses while breathing.
- Daytime fatigue and drowsiness.
- Urinating frequently during the night.
- Morning headaches and insomnia.
- Awakening with a dry mouth and night sweats.
Treatment Options:
Lifestyle changes
Basic lifestyle changes like losing the extra kilos, quitting drinking and smoking and sleeping on your side can correct OSA.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device
CPAP uses a mask over your nose and mouth to increase the air pressure in the air passage. This pressure is greater than the surrounding air in the passage and prevents collapsing of tissues.
Mandibular advancement device (MAD)
Mandibular advancement or repositioning devices like Narval CC can treat Sleep Apnea. MAD is kept in a protruded position to release the stress from TMJs. This helps in preventing blockage and narrowing of the airway.
Effects of Sleep Apnea:
- Increased rate of hypertension, heart attack, and strokes
- Slow reflexes and poor concentration
- Irritability and depression
- Diabetes and liver disorders
- Worsening of ADHD
- Arrhythmia
If you or your bed partner has witnessed the above symptoms, visit El Paseo Dental or schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin Le. 408-370-0101
