Achieve Restful Sleep and Optimal Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Do you struggle with daytime fatigue even after a full night’s sleep? Has your bed partner complained of your raucous snoring? Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be the culprit, and you should seek treatment before it’s too late.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea in Santa Rosa, California, we welcome you to Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center for conservative yet effective sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Wayne Sutton and the team will help improve your sleep and life with effective treatments.
What is sleep apnea?
In healthy individuals, breathing is a natural, continuous process that occurs effortlessly throughout, even when sleeping. Each breath flows smoothly, delivering vital oxygen to your body and ensuring all systems function optimally. However, when you have sleep apnea, this seemingly simple process becomes disrupted, particularly during sleep.
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops and starts when sleeping. These apneic episodes happen when the muscles in the throat relax, causing the airway to become partially or fully blocked. A blocked airway prevents air from reaching the lungs, leading to dropped oxygen levels. When the brain senses oxygen deficiency, it briefly wakes you up to reopen the airway, often with a gasp or snort, before you fall back asleep. These awakenings can happen up to a hundred times, preventing you from getting the deep, restorative sleep your body needs.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from a life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
How do I know I have sleep apnea?
Although sleep apnea is a severe condition, what’s particularly concerning is that many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it. The apneic episodes happen subconsciously, often without any recollection of waking during the night. However, the effects are felt throughout the day, from persistent tiredness to difficulty concentrating.
The following are the symptoms of OSA.
- Waking up with morning headaches
- A sore or dry throat in the morning
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Reduced sex drive
- Irritability and mood changes
The result of OSA isn’t just the above symptoms but also an increased risk of severe health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can impact your mental health, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Sleep apnea isn’t just a snoring problem. It’s a severe sleep-disordered breathing condition that requires prompt treatment.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Dr. Sutton is an established dental sleep medicine practitioner who provides a holistic treatment approach to sleep apnea. Mainstream doctors treat OSA with CPAP therapy, which delivers a constant air stream through the airway to keep it open as you sleep. CPAP machines work, but many patients drop them halfway through treatment because of discomfort and bulkiness.
Dr. Sutton uses SomnoDent Avant appliance therapy to combat OSA. This custom-fitted device repositions the lower jaw to create more space for breathing—it also suppresses the tongue to avoid airway blockage when sleeping. Oral appliance therapy works for many patients with mild to moderate OSA because it’s simple, discreet, portable, and comfortable.
No dental insurance? No problem!
Join Our New Patient Smile Program:
Includes all exams, X-Rays, and 2 general hygiene cleanings per year for $349.
Are you interested in sleep apnea treatment?
There’s nothing more satisfying than a good night’s sleep. So, if you are struggling with sleep apnea, seek treatment today to restore your healthy sleep and life. Call (707) 542-6772 to schedule an appointment with Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center for sleep apnea treatment.
Dr. Wayne Sutton
Connect with Dr. Wayne Sutton on Linkedin
Dr. Sutton is one of the premier cosmetic dentists in Sonoma County, and with over 20 years of experience, his implant center maintains a standard of excellence using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.
Dr. Sutton completed his postgraduate studies at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and received his doctorate, three years of experience as a clinical instructor, and the coveted “Clinical Excellence Award” from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997. He also earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group.
Dr. Sutton continues to take four times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is also a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.
Now Accepting New Patients!
Appointments are available. Request your appointment today.
(All photos of actual patients)