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Santa Paula Dentist

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the common treatment options for sleep apnea?

Common treatment options for sleep apnea in Santa Paula include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

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How does CPAP therapy work in the treatment of sleep apnea?

CPAP therapy involves using a machine that delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep, preventing interruptions in breathing.

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Can lifestyle changes effectively contribute to the management of sleep apnea?

Yes, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and altering sleep positions can help manage sleep apnea symptoms and improve overall sleep quality.

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What role do oral appliances play in treating sleep apnea, and how do they work?

Oral appliances, often resembling mouthguards, reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. They are particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea who find CPAP therapy challenging.

What is
Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by constant interruptions in breathing throughout the sleep cycle. This condition occurs because the upper airways repeatedly collapse during the night, preventing normal breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea disrupts the sleep cycle and can have a drastic impact on energy, mental performance, and long-term health. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Solutions

At Channel Islands Family Dental we have qualified staff and the latest technology to be able to offer a personalized and effective treatment. Our dentists in Santa Paula are willing to offer you the best care and help you solve your problem.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Suffer from snoring in bed, apnea, fatigue and health problems at home
The main types of sleep apnea are the following: Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, which occurs when the throat muscles relax Central sleep apnea, which occurs when the brain does not send correct signals to the muscles that control breathing Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, which occurs when someone has obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

NO Sleep

The most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

    • Loud snoring
    • Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep (pointed out by someone else)
    • Gasping when breathing during sleep
    • Waking up with a dry mouth
    • Headache in the morning
    • Trouble staying asleep (insomnia)
    • Feeling of excessive sleepiness during the day (hypersomnia).
    • Difficulty paying attention while awake
    • Irritability

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

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For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend only a few lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If you have nasal allergies, your doctor will recommend an allergy treatment.

If these measures do not improve signs and symptoms, or if the apnea is moderate to severe, there are other treatments available.

Some devices can help open a blocked airway. In other cases, you may need surgery.

Therapies for Sleep Apnea

Sleepless, woman suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea or stress, headache or migraine

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, there is a machine that exerts air pressure through a mask while you sleep. In the case of continuous positive airway pressure, the air pressure is slightly higher than ambient air and sufficient to clear your airway, preventing apnea and snoring.

While this procedure is the most common and reliable method of treating sleep apnea, some find it cumbersome and uncomfortable. Some abandon the continuous positive airway pressure machine, but with some practice, most people learn to adjust the tension on the straps to make the device comfortable and secure.

Other airway pressure devices. If the continuous positive airway pressure machine is still a problem for you, you can use another type of airway pressure device that automatically adjusts the pressure while you sleep.

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Sleep Apnea

When Should You See a Doctor?

Loud snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem, but not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Talk to your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea. Ask your doctor about any sleep problems that make you feel tired, sleepy, or irritable. Treatment can relieve symptoms, and may help prevent heart problems and other complications.
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Oral Devices

Oral devices. Another option is to use a mouthpiece designed to keep the throat open. The continuous positive airway pressure device is more reliable and effective than oral devices, but the latter are easier to use. Some are designed to open the throat by pushing the jawbone forward, sometimes relieving snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Your dentist may recommend several devices. You may have to try different devices to find one that works for you.

Once you find the right fit, you will need to follow up with your dentist several times during the first year and then periodically to ensure the fit remains good and to reassess your signs and symptoms

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Adaptive Servoventilation

This airway device was recently approved; the device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores the information on an integrated computer. When you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing and prevent you from having pauses.

Adaptive servoventilation appears to be more effective than other forms of positive airway pressure in treating complex sleep apnea in some people.

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Surgery

According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, upper airway surgery may be recommended when other treatment options have failed to eliminate the symptoms of apnea. Depending on the location and nature of the airway obstruction, the procedure may be minimally invasive or more complex. Tonsils or other parts of the soft palate or throat may need to be removed.

Sleep Apnea in Santa Paula

Financing Options

Payment plans as low as 99/month (*on approved credit)

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Our Location

We have the experience and expertise to deliver high quality dental specialty care. Contact us today with your dental questions or to schedule your appointment.

Office Hours

Monday – Friday9:00am – 6:00pm
 

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