Sleep Apnea

In some cases, daily setbacks like irritability and headaches come from a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. At Laguna Beach Dental Excellence in Laguna Beach, California, many patients benefit from using oral appliances crafted by Haleh Fazeli, DDS, and the team. These devices can manage sleep apnea symptoms and help you get a better night’s sleep. Schedule your sleep apnea treatment consultation by calling Laguna Beach Dental Excellence or booking online today. 

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that impacts how you breathe at night. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent type, involves excessive tissue in your airways or unusually-shaped airways, which collapse when you sleep and prevent steady oxygen intake.

While the topic of snoring often comes up in relation to sleep apnea, not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Yet, many do. Snoring is the sound of air escaping, which causes the tissues in your airway to vibrate against each other. 

The most indicative sign of sleep apnea involves pauses in your breathing at night, which you most likely won’t notice yourself. If you don’t have a partner or roommate pointing out concerns about your breathing at night, there are other symptoms you may notice while you're awake. 

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea symptoms vary from person to person and are often difficult to link to an issue with your sleep. However, over time, you might notice distinct changes in function that affect you every day or almost every day. 

Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Frequent headaches (especially in the morning)
• Night sweats
• Frequent and sudden awakenings throughout the night
• Mood problems
• Dry mouth when you wake up
• Sexual dysfunction
• Trouble focusing
• Mental fogginess

A sleep evaluation can tell you whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea or rule it out as a possible cause of your symptoms. 

How do dentists treat sleep apnea?

Dentists treat obstructive sleep apnea using devices that alleviate the obstruction in your airway. These appliances are customized to fit in your mouth, and there is a range of options for the materials used to craft your device. Dr. Fazeli and the team at Laguna Beach Dental recommend oral appliances according to the structure of your mouth and jaw. 

Many oral appliances work by positioning your lower jaw forward. This position holds your airway open so you can breathe throughout the night and give your brain the oxygen it needs for satisfying sleep. Others retain your tongue so that it doesn’t fall back into your throat. 

Finding an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is important for preventing the health complications associated with sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and heart attacks. 

Find out more about oral appliances for sleep apnea by calling Laguna Beach Dental Excellence or booking online today.