New Patients
(619) 494-2492
(619) 494-2492
Existing Patients
(619) 460-0700
(619) 460-0700
Four common questions about sleep apnea
10
Sep
Four common questions about sleep apnea
Do you wake up in the morning feeling as if you never slept? Have you been told you wake up at night gasping for air? The culprit could be sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Sleep apnea deprives your body of much-needed sleep and oxygen.
Summit Dental of La Mesa recognizes the significance of restful sleep for your overall well-being. Dr. Richard Evans and the team offer sleep apnea treatments in La Mesa, California, and the surrounding areas to restore sleep and health.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops while you are sleeping. The stoppages last for about 10 seconds or more and can recur up to around a hundred times at night! When your brain detects a lack of oxygen, it prompts your body to resume normal breathing. Unfortunately, these awakenings are brief; you may not remember them in the morning.
There are several types of sleep apnea, like central and complex sleep apnea syndrome, but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent, accounting for over 80% of sleep apnea cases. This sleep disorder happens when the muscles supporting your tongue, uvula, tonsils, and other soft tissues relax, partially obstructing the airway.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Your body performs several tasks when sleeping, including repairing cells, releasing hormones, detoxifying, and reorganizing nerve cells. Therefore, experiencing fragmented sleep due to OSA can lead to various symptoms affecting your entire body. They are:
- Poor concentration
- Waking up with morning headaches
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Daytime fatigue, despite a whole night’s sleep
- Memory issues
- Anxiety
Sleep apnea also causes loud snoring as the air passes the collapsed throat tissues. Although snoring alone may not indicate sleep apnea, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation if it is coupled with the mentioned symptoms.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients : (619) 494-2492 Existing Patients : (619) 460-0700 What are the lifelong complications of untreated sleep apnea?
Without treatment, OSA can worsen with more frequent or longer apneic episodes. Other than day-to-day symptoms like headaches and fatigue, prolonged oxygen and sleep deprivation strain your body, putting you at risk of the following health complications.
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Dementia
Untreated sleep apnea can result in excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced concentration. A foggy mind affects your judgment and reduces reaction time, increasing the risk of road and workplace accidents.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is usually the standard treatment for OSA. With a mask strapped over your nose or mouth, this device delivers constant airflow to keep your airway open as you sleep. You should wear your CPAP when sleeping, traveling, or taking naps.
While CPAPs work, they have a low compliance rate, with many patients complaining of irritation, noise, nasal congestion, and other side effects. If you can’t tolerate a CPAP, there’s yet another alternative—oral appliance therapy (OAT). OAT uses a custom-fitted orthotic device that you wear when sleeping.
A sleep apnea appliance is small, comfortable, and doesn’t involve masks or hoses. It holds the lower jaw forward and because the tongue is attached to the lower jaw, it pulls it away from the back of the airway to keep the airway unobstructed when sleeping. Using a sleep apnea appliance can lead to restful nights, energized days, and a renewed sense of joy in life.
Reclaim your healthy life with sleep apnea treatment
Don’t let sleep apnea compromise your quality of life—call (619) 494-2492 to schedule an appointment with Summit Dental of La Mesa for sleep apnea treatment. We can’t wait to restore your sleep and life.
Share this Article
ABOUT OUR TEAM
Dr. Richard B. Evans
Dr. Christine Allen
Dr. Erin Ransom
Dr. Stephanie Peacock
Welcome to our practice, where our accomplished dental professionals are dedicated to delivering exceptional care while embodying expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.
Dr. Richard B. Evans, D.D.S., with degrees from the University of California, Riverside, and the Georgetown University School of Dentistry, brings extensive experience. His commitment to excellence is evident through his Fellowships and specialization in sleep and T.M.J. disorders. Membership in prestigious organizations like the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain showcases his authority.
Dr. Christine Allen, D.D.S., is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Allen's ongoing education keeps her at the forefront of dental technologies. Her membership in esteemed dental associations and fluency in Japanese underline her trustworthiness in delivering quality care.
Dr. Erin Ransom, D.M.D., is a Notre Dame graduate. Her passion for education led her to Teach For America before pursuing dentistry at the University of Connecticut. Her dedication to oral health, membership in the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and Notre Dame's Cum Laude honors emphasize her authority.
Dr. Stephanie Peacock, D.D.S., is a UCLA dental program alumna. Her commitment to diverse communities, especially the Hispanic community, showcases her trustworthiness. Her elective residency at the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center expanded her expertise, and her dedication to her patient's well-being is evident.
Together, our team establishes a foundation of excellence in dentistry, ensuring exceptional care and patient satisfaction.
You Don’t Need Dental Insurance to Enjoy
Great Dental Care!
SUMMIT DENTAL'S IN-OFFICE SAVINGS PLAN
Success Stories
Find helpful patient reviews and review ratings from real patient at Summit Dental of La Mesa. Read honest and unbiased reviews from our patients.