Sleep Apnea

Extreme snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a very common, yet dangerous medical disorder that prevents airflow during sleep. A large number of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and yet, many do not receive treatment.

Sleep apnea occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses and consequently blocks the airway. As a result, the amount of oxygen that flows to all of your organs, including the heart and brain, is reduced. Those who suffer from sleep apnea often snore very loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time. Once a person's blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body wakes up momentarily. This can happen so quickly that you may not even realize that you have woken up. It can happen hundreds of times throughout the night and as a result, people feel tired in the morning.

Sleep apnea can cause many more symptoms, including excessive daytime fatigue, memory loss, headaches, irritability, depression, lack of concentration, and many more negative side effects. Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea are susceptible to strokes, heart conditions, such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and hypertension.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

People who suffer from sleep apnea are often older and obese; however, men and women of any age can also suffer from sleep apnea. With age and weight gain, the sleep disorder can worsen overtime. Here are some of the common signs of sleep apnea:

• Daytime fatigue
• Unintentionally falling asleep during the day
• Insufficient sleep
• Insomnia
• Excessive snoring
• Waking from sleep gasping for air 
• Waking from sleep with a choking sound
• Lack of concentration
• Poor memory
• Depression
• Anxiety 
• Irritability
  

The Two Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two types of sleep apnea, which are:

• Obstructive sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, and it is the result of blocked airflow during sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you sleep. This type of sleep apnea may be caused by health problems, such as obesity. 
  

• Central sleep apnea: Central sleep apnea occurs when there is a problem with how the brain signals the breathing muscles. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, the airway is not blocked and instead, the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe. This type of sleep apnea can occur with conditions such as heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections, and stroke.
  

Oral Appliance Therapy

At our office, we help our patients find solutions by offering advanced dental services, such as oral appliances. Oral appliances are comfortable, easy to travel with, and provide a great solution to sleep apnea. There are many other benefits to our sleep apnea oral appliances, including:

• Extremely effective
• High quality
• Customized fit
• Adjustable
• Non-restrictive in movement
• Durable
• Clinically proven
  

In addition, oral appliances can be used in combination with other sleep apnea therapies, such as CPAP therapy. If you are in need of a reputable dentist in Los Angeles who has plenty of experience in oral appliance therapy, we can help you every step of the way. We understand how sleep apnea can become a huge hindrance in one’s life and it is important to address this disorder as soon as possible before it worsens. Contact our team today to find out how we can provide the best sleep apnea therapy in Beverly Hills. 

Contact Our Dentist Who Specializes in Sleep Apnea in Miracle Mile

If you are seeking help from a dentist in Beverly Hills who can provide you with the best treatment for sleep apnea, give us a call today to schedule an appointment.