Testing & treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep health affects everything from our blood pressure to our attitudes. Sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (“OSA”) can place unknowing individuals at a greater risk of a cardiovascular accident or even death.
Early screenings for sleeping disorders could save your life. As a member of the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton provides in-house screenings and treatment options for people with sleeping disorders like OSA. For trusted sleep apnea treatment in Santa Rosa, contact the Santa Rosa Dentistry and Implant Center dental team.
Sleep Apnea Testing
Today’s sleep testing technology allows our patients to complete a sleep study in the comfort of their own home. There’s no sleeping overnight in a strange medical lab, with a stranger watching over you. Home sleep studies accurately record your breathing, pulse oximetry, and symptoms like snoring or pauses in breathing. The data is recorded via sensors and then interpreted by a licensed physician.
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea and which form of sleeping disorder you have, treatments are available at our Sonoma County dental practice.
Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances
Dental sleep medicine providers work closely with specialists like pulmonologists and physicians to deliver alternative therapies that treat OSA holistically. Being that obstructive sleep apnea originates in the mouth, it’s only natural to work with a dental sleep medicine provider to treat it.
Dr. Sutton provides SomnoDent Avant appliance therapy. This unique sleep mouthguard naturally improves oxygen flow and reduces airway blockage. Many people find it to be an ideal alternative to bulky CPAP therapy.
An oral sleep appliance like SomnoDent works by positioning the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, guiding the tongue away from soft tissues near the back of the mouth. When fitted properly, it immediately enlarges the upper airway opening to allow for maximum oxygen intake. A SomnoDent appliance can be used alone or in conjunction with CPAP equipment.
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.
New Patient Smile Program:
Includes all exams, X-Rays, and 2 general hygiene cleanings per year for $299.
Advantages Of An Oral Sleep Appliance
Compared to traditional CPAP therapy, a dental sleep appliance is more discreet. Traveling with it is easier, and you can easily use it without bothering family members. The small design doesn’t affect whether you’re a back or side sleeper, unlike bulky CPAPs that require hoses and nose coverings. Everyday care and maintenance are simple, as it’s easy to clean and store. Many of our sleep apnea patients tell us that they see results as quickly as the first night of use.
How To Choose A Sleep Dentistry Team
As a dental sleep medicine practitioner, Dr. Sutton works closely with area sleep physicians to provide holistic care for our patients. You can seek us out directly or ask your physician for a referral. Because of his extensive training and membership in the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Sutton is one of the few experienced dentists in the Sonoma County area to offer this unique service. Contact our Santa Rosa sleep apnea dentist today for a consultation.
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(All photos of actual patients)