When we don’t get quality sleep, we quickly become exhausted and easily overwhelmed. Sleep apnea is vastly underdiagnosed, occurring in a staggering 30% of the population. 95% of people never even receive a diagnosis! If you’re always tired and can’t pinpoint why, you may be surprised to find an advanced dentist, such as Dr. Amin Samadian, that can evaluate and treat you for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palate relax so much during sleep that they meet in the back of the throat fully blocking your airway. This is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Each time this happens, your sleep cycle is interrupted by your consciousness taking over just enough for you to breathe again. These are known as micro-arousals, and they prevent you from fully immersing in the restorative sleep cycles, particularly REM. It’s most problematic for back sleepers, but side sleepers may suffer from OSA, too.
Severe sleep apnea can result in 50 micro-arousals or more in a single hour, and actually shorten your life expectancy if left untreated. OSA sufferers experience a pervasive lack of energy, headaches, restlessness, memory issues, mood swings, and a dry or sore throat in the mornings. Patients at higher risk are male, overweight or obese, smoke, have chronic nasal congestion, or have a thick neck.
Confirming a sleep apnea diagnosis usually begins with an overnight sleep study. These studies are typically conducted in a laboratory setting and are costly and uncomfortable, Dr. Samadian offers his patients an at-home sleep study, making a diagnosis more cost-effective and comfortable. You’ll receive equipment that will measure your breathing throughout the night, providing Dr. Samadian with a full report on your quality of sleep and frequency of micro-arousals. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also be diagnosed at this time.
Traditional treatments involve a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine. This device stops your airway from collapsing on each inhale with a steady stream of air pressure. The air is delivered through a face mask attached to a hose connecting you to the machine.
Because a CPAP machine and face mask are uncomfortable for many sleep apnea sufferers, Dr. Samadian also treats OSA with oral appliances. These mouth guards are often a comfortable alternative for mild to moderate OSA sufferers, and help reduce the air pressure required with a CPAP for severe OSA patients. The appliance moves your jaw forward, opening your airway enough that your tongue and palate cannot meet. A cone beam CT test gives Dr. Samadian the information he needs to recommend your ideal oral appliance that will be custom made for your mouth. Oral appliances remove the need for a face mask for most patients, and you don’t have to worry about transporting a CPAP machine if you travel frequently.
Another potential treatment for mild sleep apnea involves Botox® injections in the soft palate, which prevents heavy snoring that can lead to airway obstruction.
A good night’s sleep cannot be underestimated. If you’ve accumulated a sleep debt over months or years, that first morning after OSA treatment can be a revelation. Your body will get restorative sleep, and you’ll awaken refreshed, alert, and ready to take on your day. Treatment is not painful, and custom made oral appliances at so comfortable you may forget you’re wearing them. Imagine waking up every day feeling on top of the world with sleep apnea treatment with Dr. Samadian.
*Individual Results May Vary
I could not recommend Dr. Samadian more – AND all of his staff, at that! No longer will I mind or be afraid of going to the dentist.
Very informative, patient and sensitive to your needs. Very focused, and desires to ensure it’s done properly the first time.
If you have questions about sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Amin Samadian, proudly serving the East Bay Area, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Piedmont, Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Oakland, Berkeley, and Brentwood, CA. You can count on him to help you make an informed decision. Call us at (925-254-2360) or fill out our convenient online contact form.
Specializing in treatments such as digital reconstructions, aesthetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. Focusing on regeneration and restoring tooth structure, bone loss, and gum recession.
