Sleep Apnea is well-known as being related to snoring, but most people are unaware that it is also a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Continued disruption of breathing causes an imbalance between carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream, as not enough carbon dioxide is exiting and not enough oxygen is entering the body. People with Sleep Apnea partially awaken many times a night as they struggle to breathe, often accompanied by loud snoring or a choking sensation.
 
Sleeping masks were traditionally used to keep the patient’s airways open while they slept, but advances in sleep dentistry provide some less intrusive options such as dental devices that gently coax the lower jaw forward. San Bruno Dental Medicine, highly trained in the area of sleep dentistry with over 20 years’ experience, utilizes these devices and they have proven quite effective in preventing the tongue from blocking the main air passage.

Benefits of Using a Dental Device to Treat Sleep Apnea:

• Considerable reduction in paused breathing for patients with mild-to-moderate apnea, especially if the patient sleeps either on their back or stomach.
• Improved, healthier sleep
• Reduction in the frequency and volume of snoring
• Higher compliance rates than with CPAP masks

What does sleep apnea treatment involve?
Initially, we conduct tests in order to investigate, diagnose, and pinpoint a suitable treatment. San Bruno Dentistry utilizes the Sleep Solution test to treat Sleep Apnea. This is a comfortable, reliable at-home sleep study, offering an alternative to traditional laboratory sleep studies. We may also advise that you discontinue habits that aggravate Sleep Apnea such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and tranquilizer use.

If you suspect you have Sleep Apnea, contact a dental professional immediately who has specialized training in the area of sleep dentistry as this is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem if left untreated.