Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax during sleep and block your airway, so your breathing stops and starts again and again through the night. Besides loud snoring, untreated sleep apnea can leave you exhausted during the day and is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. At Las Positas Family Dental, we offer custom oral appliance therapy, a comfortable, quiet treatment option for many patients with sleep apnea or heavy snoring.
Better Sleep Starts With Your Dentist
Many people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it. Your dentist is often one of the first to notice the signs, like worn teeth from nighttime grinding, a narrow airway, or a scalloped tongue.
Treating sleep apnea can help you:
- Sleep more deeply and wake up feeling rested
- Reduce or eliminate loud snoring
- Feel more alert and focused during the day
- Lower the strain on your heart and blood pressure
- Help your bed partner sleep better, too
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
Because it happens while you’re asleep, sleep apnea often goes unnoticed. Talk to us if you or your partner notice that you:
Snore loudly or often
Gasp, choke, or stop breathing during sleep
Wake up tired or with morning headaches
Feel sleepy or have trouble concentrating during the day
Wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study ordered by your physician. If you’ve already been diagnosed, bring your results to your visit. If not, we can talk through your symptoms and help you take the next step.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
An oral appliance looks similar to a mouthguard and is worn only while you sleep. It gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep your airway open so you can breathe, and sleep, more easily. Each appliance is custom-made from impressions of your teeth for a secure, comfortable fit, and it’s small and quiet, so it’s easy to travel with.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Oral appliance therapy may be a good fit if you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, snore heavily, or have tried a CPAP machine and found it hard to use. We’ll review your sleep study, examine your teeth and jaw, and work with your physician to decide whether an oral appliance is right for you. Call (925) 449-7900 or book online to schedule a consultation.