At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, we understand the impact that snoring and sleep apnea can have on your overall well-being and quality of life. Our experienced dental team, led by Dr. Rika Prodhan-Ashraf, is dedicated to helping you achieve restful sleep and improved health through personalized treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur due to the relaxation of the throat muscles, resulting in narrowed or blocked airways. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment Options: We offer effective treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea, customized to your specific needs:
Oral Appliance Therapy: Oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices or snore guards, are custom-made devices that are worn during sleep. They help maintain an open airway by repositioning the jaw forward, preventing the collapse of soft tissues and reducing snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Alternatives: For patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or have difficulty complying with them, oral appliance therapy provides a comfortable and convenient alternative.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with sleep medicine specialists to ensure an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. This collaboration allows us to provide you with the most effective and coordinated care.
Benefits of Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment:
Improved Sleep Quality: By effectively managing snoring and sleep apnea, treatment options help you achieve restful and uninterrupted sleep, improving your overall sleep quality and restoring your energy levels.
Reduced Health Risks: Treating sleep apnea reduces the risk of associated health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Enhanced Daytime Functioning: Treatment for snoring and sleep apnea can alleviate daytime fatigue, improve concentration, and enhance your cognitive function, leading to increased productivity and an improved quality of life.
Bed Partner Satisfaction: Snoring and sleep apnea treatment not only benefits you but also improves the sleep quality of your bed partner, as it reduces disruptive snoring noises and interruptions.
Non-Invasive and Comfortable: Oral appliances are discreet, portable, and easy to use. They do not require surgery or masks, offering a comfortable and non-invasive solution for snoring and sleep apnea.
If you or your partner experience snoring or suspect sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness. Our compassionate team will conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss your symptoms, and recommend the most suitable treatment option to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall health. Let us guide you toward a healthier, quieter, and more revitalized sleep experience.
If you feel like you are always waking up exhausted, there might be a medical reason. Sleeping conditions such as snoring, and sleep apnea can get in the way of a good night’s sleep by limiting your oxygen intake as you sleep. So, if you feel like you just can’t seem to get enough sleep, you might need better quality of sleep as opposed to more time sleeping.
If you snore when you sleep, you are in the same boat as about two thirds of all Americans. The sound of snoring is caused by your tongue and tissues around your sinuses. When air can’t move freely through your mouth and sinuses, it causes these tissues to vibrate as air tires to pass through. The vibration is what creates that rumbling sound that can vary from fairly quiet to loud.
At its least concerning, snoring can be annoying and interfere with your partner’s sleep. On more concerning notes, snoring is a sign that air is not moving freely which could mean that air flow to the lungs is being restricted. Snoring is also linked to sleep apnea, a more serious condition.
The reason sleep apnea is so concerning is because it restricts the amount of oxygen you get when you are asleep. If you believe sleep apnea is a cause for concern to your health, our dentist can perform an exam.
There are different forms of sleep apnea, the most common being OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea. This is characterized by the back of your throat being obstructed, or blocked, causing you to stop breathing. This causes you to wake up so that you can breathe.
The first step in the procedure is prep. A barrier gel will be applied so that your gums and lips are not affected by the treatment. After the barrier gel is applied, the teeth whitening gel is next. The gel is activated using a UV light allowing for rapid results. These steps are repeated multiple times every 15 minutes until desired results are achieved and you walk out with a brighter smile!
The sleep disruption that results from sleep apnea can be even more serious. Some studies have shown that it can shorten your lifespan by up to 12 years. The following health conditions can result due to different forms of sleep apnea:
• Abnormal Facial Growth in Children.
• Acid reflux.
• ADHD.
• Alzheimer’s.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Difficulty Controlling Diabetes.
• Headaches and Migraines.
• Heart Attack.
• High Blood Pressure.
• Impotence or Loss of Libido.
• Irritability and Aggressive Behavior.
• Loss of Focus and Memory.
• Stroke.
• Tooth Grinding at Night or Bruxism.
• Unusual Daytime Fatigue.
• Weight Gain.
leep apnea begins in the mouth and sinuses. Our dentist is an expert and our team can help you find a treatment that is best for you, so you can get back your restful sleep.
An example of some of the treatments we use:
1. Aligners – Aligning your teeth isn’t just for cosmetic reasons. It changes the position of your entire mouth. This includes the jaw and tongue. Changing the position of your jaw and where your tongue rests in your mouth can open up your airway, and prevent blockage.
2. Nasal Breathing Exercises and Decongestants – One of the best ways to treat sleep apnea is by ensuring you get enough oxygen through your nose as opposed to your mouth. Nasal breathing can increase oxygen intake by up to 12%
3. Oral Obstructive Sleep Apnea Device – This treatment involves a custom dental support that is similar to a mouth guard. Its purpose is to hold your jaw in a position that allows your airways to stay open.
At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, our mission revolves around you, the patient, and ensuring your optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are typically recommended every six months. However, the frequency may vary depending on your individual oral health needs. During your visit, our team will assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for ongoing care.
Yes, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. We offer various sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation, to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental procedures. Our team is dedicated to creating a calming environment and ensuring a positive experience for all patients.
In addition to regular dental check-ups, practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining a healthy diet. Our team will provide personalized guidance on oral hygiene techniques and recommend preventive treatments such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments.
Yes, we warmly welcome new patients to El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness. We would be delighted to have you as part of our dental family. Simply contact our office to schedule an appointment, and our friendly team will assist you with the necessary paperwork and answer any questions you may have.
We accept various payment options to accommodate our patients’ needs. These include cash, major credit cards, and dental insurance plans. We can also discuss flexible financing options and help you navigate your insurance coverage to make dental care more affordable.
Absolutely! At El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance your smile. These include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers. During a consultation, our team will assess your cosmetic goals and recommend the most suitable treatment options to achieve the smile you desire.
In the event of a dental emergency, it’s important to contact our office immediately. Our team will prioritize your situation and make every effort to provide prompt care. We offer emergency dental services to address issues such as severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, broken dental restorations, and other urgent dental concerns.
Yes, we provide various options for replacing missing teeth. Our services include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. During a consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, discuss your preferences, and recommend the most suitable tooth replacement solution for you.
Absolutely. We offer evaluation and treatment for sleep-related issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Our team can discuss potential solutions, including oral appliances, that can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. We work closely with sleep specialists when necessary to ensure comprehensive care.
Ready to experience exceptional dental care at El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness? Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions you may have and assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit.
El Dorado Hills Dental Wellness is conveniently located in El Dorado Hills, California. Our address is 2222 Francisco Dr # 460, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. If you’re a new patient, we welcome you to our practice! We look forward to meeting you and providing you with exceptional dental care.
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