Get a better night's sleep
Sleep Apnea Treatment In Del Mar
Do you struggle to feel refreshed even after a full night's sleep? You're not alone! If you feel tired and groggy daily, it may be time to consult a specialist to see if a sleep disorder is to blame. That's where Dr. Pizzi, Dr. Campbell, and Dr. Bellisario come in. Our experts are trained in sleep therapy and dedicated to helping you get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you deserve.
Don't let another restless night hold you back - read on to learn more about how we can help
What is sleep apnea?
Understanding the basics
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most well known sleep disorder. It occurs when soft tissues of your throat and palate sag into your airway, blocking proper respiration and breathing. For most people, these interruptions in breathing occur between 2-10 seconds at a time, but they can be even longer.
This may happen hundreds or even thousands of times per night, interfering with proper blood oxygenation and respiration. In the short term, this may cause poor-quality sleep, daytime sleepiness, and feelings of lethargy. In the long term, these regular interruptions to proper breathing can increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke.
what to look for
The top warning signs of sleep apnea
Prolonged, heavy snoring accompanied by interruptions in breathing is the top warning sign of apnea, particularly when accompanied by choking or snoring noises. You may also wake in the middle of the night and feel like you are choking, or can’t breathe.
Your throat may also feel dry or “scratchy” upon waking, and you may notice other symptoms like morning headaches, restless sleep, forgetfulness, and mood swings. You may also have a decreased libido. If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, you may have sleep apnea, and you should get a consultation from a sleep specialist.
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what causes sleep apnea
The most common contributing factors
Some contributing factors to sleep apnea include:
- Obesity
- Small airway
- Large palette
- Large adenoids or tonsils
- Frequent nasal congestion
- Smoking tobacco
- Consuming certain medications like sleeping pills or drinking alcohol before bed
Your options
Treatment for sleep apnea
Oral Appliances
For minor-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be a good option. Oral appliance therapy uses a device that looks similar to a mouth guard. It’s designed to shift your jaws and palate into a healthier position as you sleep, preventing the sagging of your soft tissue, and stopping OSA.
CPAP
(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are another option for more severe cases of OSA. They use a face and nose mask to deliver a stream of pressurized air into your airway, which prevents soft tissue from sagging, and ensures your breathing is not interrupted. To determine the best option for you, we recommend working with a trained, Airway Aware dentist in Del Mar, CA like Dr. Todd Pizzi, Dr. Doug Campbell or Dr. Nolan Bellisario at Del Mar Dental Studio.
Sleep Tests
Typically, the first step to diagnosing a sleep disorder is with a sleep test. We offer take-home tests that involve measuring various parameters during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns. This identifies potential sleep disorders and helps us determine the most effective treatment options. Take-home test allows you to sleep in the comfort of your own bed. If we determine an in-office test is needed, we will refer you to a trusted sleep specialist. No matter which route you take, we're here to help you get a good night's sleep!
POD (Preventive Oral Device)
Seeking a solution to teeth grinding? Enter the POD™, Preventive Oral Device. The POD™ uses advanced technology to offer a custom-fit solution, made for you. This device alleviates headaches, TMJ pain, and muscle tension, and improves breathing while sleeping. And the best part? POD™ also protects your teeth, crowns, veneers, and restorations from the destructive forces of teeth grinding. So if you're looking for a new and improved solution for TMJ pain, book a consultation with Dr. Pizzi and Dr. Campbell so we can get you sleeping soundly and out of pain!
Homeoblock™ Appliance
Did you know there’s growing evidence that lack of proper craniofacial development is the primary cause of most sleep and breathing disorders? Here's where the Homeoblock™ appliance comes in. As mentioned in the book Breath, by James Nestor, healthy breathing is vital for your overall health and wellness, helping you live a long, happy life.
While it looks like a retainer, the Homeoblock™ appliance is much more than that! It is a revolutionary, patented oral device that offers unique benefits to help you breathe easier. By applying an intermittent light force signal to the periodontal ligament it encases the roots of your teeth. This stimulates bone growth and repositions the facial bone structure. Its unique Unilateral Bite Block Technology also replicates the hard food that's often missing from our modern diets, thus triggering epigenetic signaling. Ultimately, the Homeoblock™ appliance improves jaw alignment, posture, and breathing for a healthier, happier you!
Am I A Good Candidate
For SLeep Apnea Treatment
You may be a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment at an Airway Aware dentist if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea. Treatment with an oral appliance will prevent the tissues of the mouth and palate from sagging into the airway, blocking proper breathing intermittently during sleep.
What are long-term dangers
Of Untreated Sleep Apnea?
In the short term, sleep apnea causes some obvious symptoms like poor quality sleep, irritability, and difficulty focusing. It could even cause potential dangers like drowsiness while driving.
But in the long term, its effects are even more significant. Since sleep apnea blocks proper respiration when you sleep, you may not get enough oxygen in your blood, which can affect your overall health in many different ways.
Severe, untreated sleep apnea and other forms of sleep disordered breathing can contribute to a huge variety of other health problems. These include a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke, memory problems, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, acid reflux, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
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