Sleep Dentistry California
From LoveToKnow Sleep
When it comes to sleep dentistry, California has many options for patients to consider. A sleep dentist can help people who have a number of sleep problems, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It is important to consider the different treatments for the sleep problems while investigating which approach is right for your specific needs.
Establishing a Need
Whether your sleep problem is a simple snore or a serious condition like sleep apnea, it helps to establish a need for help. In many instances, simple changes in lifestyle are sufficient to alleviate mild snoring problems or sleeplessness. Establishing a routine of good sleep hygiene can yield excellent results.
Some people find relief using this approach, but others have considerably more trouble, especially when structural problems lead to the sleep disruptions. Visiting a professional can help, and sleep dentistry California options are quite generous. In some cases, you may have to get a referral from a physician in order to get dental treatment.
Sleep Study
Occasionally, a patient may be referred to become a sleep study participant in order to establish a need. In most cases, this isn't necessary, but it can be an important step if there appears to be no reason for daytime symptoms of sleep deprivation.
Dental Sleep Medicine
Dental sleep medicine is a growing field that focuses on treating problems in the mouth that interrupt proper breathing during sleep. Structural problems can lead to blockage in the airway passage, leading to loud snoring or apnea. When someone has sleep apnea, he stops breathing occasionally throughout the night. This serious condition requires medical attention.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated using a number of different approaches in the field of dentistry. Some people can benefit from lifestyle changes, but when this isn't enough, it is time to consider other options. Sleep apnea dental procedures can offer relief from the symptoms of apnea.
Surgery and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are effective approaches but they have their downsides. Surgical procedures come with no guarantee that the surgery will offer 100 percent relief in all cases. CPAP works, but it can be very uncomfortable for some patients. Oral devices fitted by a sleep dentist can effectively treat the problem in many cases.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dentistry
Oral devices can treat snoring and sleep apnea effectively. It is important to determine the specific source of your sleep condition as you determine which device is most suitable. There are two basic considerations in oral devices:
- Tongue retaining devices (TRD) focus on moving the tongue forward, preventing it from collapsing back into to airway passage. The device also keeps the mouth from closing completely, which can keep the soft palate away from the air passage.
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) keep the tongue and the soft palate away from the air passage by moving the jaw forward. The device also keeps the mouth slightly open to ensure improved breathing.
There is no absolute guarantee that the oral devices will work in every situation. Many patients benefit from taking a comprehensive approach to treating the sleep problem, including improved sleep hygiene and changes in lifestyle. Home monitors can be used to help determine how well the oral appliance is working.
Sleep Dentistry California
Finding a sleep dentist in California is easy, but you may want to consider one that is a diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. The organization lists a number of different options and dentists to consider.
| Organization | Address | City | Telephone Number |
| R Michael Alvarez DDS | 2188 Peralta Boulevard Suite D | Fremont, CA 94536 | 510-713-6790 |
| Todd D. Morgan DMD | 320 Santa Fe Drive Suite 105 | Encinitas, CA 92024 | 714-766-6560 |
| Gerald Kushner DDS | 16100 Sand Canyon Avenue Suite 380 | Irvine, CA 92618 | 949-833-8020 |
| Roger E. Riley DDS | 26302 La Paz Road Suite 102 | Mission Viejo, CA 92691 | 949-448-7667 |
| Randall N. Inouye DDS | 735 Cowper Street Suite B | Palo Alto, CA 94301 | 650-321-3266 |
| Chun K. Kim DDS | 35900 Bob Hope Drive Suite 110 | Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 | 760-770-4033 |
| John Van der Werff DDS | 2315 N. Bechelli Lane Suite D | Redding, CA 96002 | 530-242-6017 |
| Mark E. Abramson DDS | 6 Malory Court | Redwood City, CA 94061 | 650-369-9227 |
| Rick K. Smith DDS | 8030 Soquel Avenue Suite 101 | Santa Cruz, CA 95062 | 831-462-5600 |
| James E. Eckhart DDS | 21210 Anza Avenue | Torrance, CA 90503 | 310-540-5911 |
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