Sleep Apnea TreatmentinMountain View
If you're suffering from chronic snoring or have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, our skilled dentists can help. Our goal is to help you achieve the deep, uninterrupted sleep you need to feel your best.
Sleep better, live better
Can’t stop snoring? Our dentists are experts in dental sleep medicine, which can treat snoring through oral appliances. If your snoring wakes you up or you feel fatigued most days, sleep apnea may be the culprit. At Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, convenient alternative to CPAP. Our team works conjunctly with your doctor to help you stop snoring, find you an alternative to CPAP, and empower you to sleep better so you can live better.
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The Comfortable CPAP Alternative
Many people with sleep apnea find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate. If you can't adjust to wearing a mask or dislike the noise and hassle of a CPAP machine, an oral appliance may be right for you.
Custom Oral Appliances
An oral appliance is a small, comfortable device worn over the teeth during sleep, similar to a retainer or mouthguard. It works by gently shifting the lower jaw and tongue forward to keep the airway open. Our dentists use advanced technology to custom-design your appliance for an ideal fit and maximum effectiveness.
Collaboration with Specialists
We understand that dealing with sleep apnea can be overwhelming. That's why we collaborate with sleep specialists to ensure that we find a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs. Our dedicated team will guide you through the process, addressing any concerns and ensuring a positive outcome.
The Sleep Apnea Treatment Process
Sleep Testing & Diagnosis
The first step is to undergo a sleep study, either at home or in a lab. This painless test measures your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs during sleep. If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, you'll discuss treatment options with a sleep doctor. If you need a referral to one of our trusted sleep doctors, we'll walk you through that process.
Consultation & Exam
If you and your doctor decide an oral appliance is right for you, you'll visit our office for a consultation. Our team will examine your teeth, jaw, and airway to determine the best type of appliance for your needs. We'll take impressions and records to custom-design your device.
Fitting & Adjustment
Once your oral appliance is ready, you'll return for a fitting. The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. You'll wear the appliance every night during sleep. Most patients adapt quickly, with little to no disruption to their sleep.
Monitoring
For the best results, your dentist will schedule periodic follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your appliance. We'll work closely with your sleep doctor to track improvements in your sleep and overall health. With consistent use, most patients see a significant reduction in snoring and apnea episodes.
FAQs
Have questions? Find answers here.
The following is a list of signs or symptoms that indicate you may have sleep apnea:SnoringFatigueRestlessness while sleepingDry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
- Waking up suddenly after gasping or choking
- Constant need to go pee at night
- Night sweats
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression or anxiety
You may not be aware of your own symptoms, but your bed partner may notice. Although the above symptoms are common for sleep apnea, your dentist or doctor will rule out other possible reasons for your snoring. Taking medications that could affect your sleep, having other medical conditions, or traveling to locations with low oxygen are all possible reasons for experiencing sleep apnea or snoring. Our office will do everything possible to diagnose and treat you if you lose sleep because of snoring or sleep apnea. We refer our patients out of the office for a sleep test if you don’t already have the results from one, and use that information to make a treatment plan with you.
Oral appliances have been shown to effectively treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea in most cases. They can also significantly reduce snoring. For severe sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be used in conjunction with CPAP or other treatments.
There are three different types of sleep apnea.
- Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, and occurs when your airways repeatedly become completely or partially blocked while you sleep. This is caused because the soft tissue in the back of your throat collapses. You may start to breathe loudly while gasping or your body will jerk itself awake.
- Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain fails to tell your muscles to breathe because of problems in your respiratory control center. This type of sleep apnea is common in people with neuromuscular diseases such as ALS, people with heart failure, or people who have had a stroke.
- Complex sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. While it's true that your body's natural defenses help prevent the worst outcomes during an apnea episode, the cumulative effects of untreated sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your health and quality of life.
Frequent disruptions to your breathing and oxygen supply can strain your heart, brain, and other vital organs over time, increasing your risk for a range of chronic health problems. The good news is that effective sleep apnea treatment can help you avoid these complications and reclaim your well-being. By addressing the root cause of your sleep apnea, you can finally get the deep, restful sleep your body needs to function at its best. You'll wake up feeling more refreshed and energized, with the mental clarity and focus to tackle your day. You may also see improvements in your mood, relationships, and overall sense of vitality.
Yes, a formal diagnosis of sleep apnea by a qualified sleep physician is required before beginning treatment with an oral appliance. This typically involves an overnight sleep study, either at home or in a lab, to measure your breathing and other vital signs during sleep. Once you've been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, you'll discuss treatment options with your sleep doctor.
If you both agree that an oral appliance is a good choice for you, you'll be referred to a dentist who specializes in dental sleep medicine, like our team at PCCD. We work hand-in-hand with sleep physicians to provide coordinated, comprehensive care for our patients. After fitting you with a custom oral appliance, we'll stay in close communication with your doctor to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible outcomes for your sleep and overall health.
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