Sleep Apnea

An “apnea” is a pause in breathing, and in those afflicted with sleep apnea, these pauses occur during sleep, continuously waking the person up and preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep. Many sleep apnea sufferers are not even aware of the condition at first, and only become aware after their irregular breathing is pointed out by a family member, or they undergo a sleep evaluation.

There are two forms of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are continuous pauses in breathing caused by blockages in air flow. When the passage to the lungs is obstructed, lack of oxygen causes the person to wake up in order to clear the airway and take deep breaths again.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) are pauses in breathing caused by deficiencies in the nervous system. Essentially, the brain “forgets” to tell the lungs to keep breathing during sleep.

A bad night of sleep can affect you from the moment you get out of bed. It can affect your daily routine if it happens once, but imagine what can happen when your sleep is compromised on a nightly basis. Sleep apnea is a common condition characterized by pauses in breathing or poor flow of oxygen while an individual is sleeping. These disruptions can be caused by obstruction of the airway most commonly, but also can be caused by the interruption of complex brain signals to the lungs. This disruption of the natural rhythm of a person’s breathing will render a person unable to achieve REM sleep.

Those who live with sleep apnea might toss and turn throughout the night, not only affecting their own sleep, but also their partner’s. Sleep apnea can also affect overall health and exacerbate the following conditions:

• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Gastroesophageal Regurgitation (Gerd)
• Impotence and Erectile Dysfunction
• Cancer

Sleep Apnea Appliances

But you don’t have to live under duress if you suffer from Sleep Apnea. Pacific Dental Care can help.

Nearly 20 million Americans have sleep apnea, but not all of them have been properly diagnosed or treated. Dr. Martirosyan, our expert in sleep apnea in Glendale, uses oral appliance therapy, or OAT, to prevent the collapse of tissues and keep the airway open so that you can breathe easily all night long. Dr. Martirosyan has been specially trained to choose the most appropriate oral appliance for your needs and fit it to the unique contours of your mouth for a comfortable, easy-to-use solution. Different types of appliances are available to address specific needs, and we will carefully fit yours to ensure the best results. Follow-up care can help keep your treatment plan on track and give us an opportunity to make necessary adjustments as needed.

You Might Have Sleep Apnea if…

You wake up groggy in the morning or wake multiple times during the night. Grinding your teeth or experiencing headaches in the morning or throughout the day is also an indication of sleep apnea. Although in some cases, headaches may be a sign of a TMJ disorder as well. If you’re a chronic snorer, you could be not-so-quietly suffering from sleep apnea. If you make gasping or choking sounds in the night, then call Pacific Dental Care and we’ll discuss the many options you have for treatment. We won’t let you suffer another night.

FDA Accepted

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a responsibility to protect consumers against products that could prove to be harmful. This includes regulating medical devices such as sleep apnea appliances. The FDA has granted premarket notification to more than 65 different sleep apnea devices since 2010. These appliances have been found to be safe, effective, and perform as promised. They cannot be purchased over-the-counter, and you will need a prescription to get one.

There are numerous models available, and all of them have been FDA-approved for treating obstructive sleep apnea. They should only be used for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea, and they should not be used by patients under the age of 18. You may find that you can purchase oral appliances online, but with this, you run the risk of an improper fit. Getting a sleep apnea appliance directly from your doctor will ensure that it is comfortable to wear.

Sleep apnea appliances are a viable alternative to CPAP therapy. We can evaluate your condition and give you information about your treatment options. We will work with you to give you a customize appliance that provides the greatest comfort and effectiveness possible. Give our sleep apnea expert a call today to learn more about your options.

Complimentary Consultations Available!

Dr. Martirosyan, our Glendale sleep apnea expert, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has the experience and knowledge upon which you can rely to ease your sleep apnea symptoms. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your consultation.

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