Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Dentist Milpitas

We're concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep-disrupting disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with sleep apnea before having a stroke. Our training enables us to provide you with education and treatment surrounding sleep health most cost-effectively and straightforwardly possible.

Estimates suggest that more than twelve million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most cases are still undiagnosed, contributing to diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and traffic accidents related to drowsy driving. Dentistry serves a vital role in treating this silent epidemic. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as primary therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who can't tolerate CPAP treatment.

What Is OSA?

OSA is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep due to a blockage in the airway. Obstructions occur when the throat muscles, tongue, tonsils, or soft palate relax and cover the airway, preventing breathing. The obstruction results in a severe drop in blood oxygen levels throughout the night.

OSA is typically diagnosed using a sleep study. During a sleep study, a sleep physician monitors brain activity and bodily functions while a patient rests overnight in a sleep lab. The specialist evaluates the data collected to diagnose sleep disorders and recommend treatment. If prescribed by a sleep doctor, a dentist trained in sleep medicine collaborates with them to treat obstructive sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy. In some cases, a home sleep study may be an alternative to reporting to a sleep lab.

How Is OSA Treated?

Treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea may involve surgery, CPAP or BiPAP machines, or oral appliance therapy. Oral appliances provide the least invasive option and are often a suitable choice for treating mild to moderate OSA. A carefully calibrated appliance, such as a CPAP or BiPAP, can help hold the jaw in a precise position throughout the night.

All treatment recommendations should be made in conjunction with your sleep physician. If appliance therapy is selected, it's essential that the correct positioning is used to maintain an open airway.

Feel free to call our office at 408-262-6608 to learn more about the sleep apnea treatment or any other services we provide. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.