Airway & Sleep Apnea Treatment in Placerville CA

If you snore loudly in your sleep, it could be due to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep-related breathing disorders characterized by sudden stoppage of breathing while you are asleep. 

In sleep apnea, your breathing repeatedly stops when your throat muscles relax and block the airway intermittently. It can cause a decrease in oxygen level and an increase in carbon dioxide level temporarily in your blood. 

Sleep apnea is of three types - Obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and mixed obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

• Loud snoring
• Excessive sleepiness during daytime 
• Recurrent episodes of stopped breathing during sleep 
• Awakening from sleep accompanied by choking and gasping
• Sore throat or dry mouth on waking up 
• Headache in the morning 
• Mood changes (irritability or depression)
• Problems in concentrating
• Decreased libido
• High blood pressure 

When Should I See a Dentist? 

You may have to visit us when you snore so loud that it disturbs your sleep or when you often wake up gasping or choking in the middle of sleep. Some of the other signs you could look out for are frequent pauses in your breathing during sleep and feeling excessively sleepy or tired during the day. We may recommend you to see a sleep specialist for a thorough sleep study.

What is the Treatment for Sleep Apnea? 

• Exercise regularly 
• Shed a few pounds if you are overweight 
• Reduce your consumption of alcohol, especially before going to bed
• Do not smoke 
• Avoid sleeping on your back 
• Consider using allergy medication or a nasal decongestant 
• Do not take sedative medications 

Therapies 

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure 

A positive air pressure treatment often helps in treating obstructive sleep apnea. We use a machine that delivers air pressure to your nose through a device. The device is either placed over your nose, fits into your nose, or placed over your mouth. Positive airway pressure helps in reducing the nocturnal arrest of breathing and daytime drowsiness. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the most common type of positive air pressure. It helps in keeping your upper airway passage open while you sleep. 

• Mouthpiece (Oral Device) 

Oral appliances also help in controlling mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also used by people who cannot use CPAP. We give you oral devices that keep your throat open. Some devices are designed to restore open airway by pushing your lower jaw forward, while some hold your tongue in a specific position. 

Surgery 

• UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)
• Maxillomandibular advancement
• Upper airway stimulation 
• Tracheostomy 
• Nasal surgery to straighten deviated septum or remove polyps 
• Surgical removal of adenoids or enlarged tonsils

Please reach out to our dental practice in Placerville, CA, to consult with Dr. Anderson. Please call Dentist in Placerville CA at (530) 622-9068 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.