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.

California Sleep Dentistry Options
Organization Address CityTelephone Number
R Michael Alvarez DDS2188 Peralta Boulevard Suite D Fremont, CA 94536510-713-6790
Todd D. Morgan DMD320 Santa Fe Drive Suite 105 Encinitas, CA 92024714-766-6560
Gerald Kushner DDS 16100 Sand Canyon Avenue Suite 380Irvine, CA 92618949-833-8020
Roger E. Riley DDS26302 La Paz Road Suite 102Mission Viejo, CA 92691949-448-7667
Randall N. Inouye DDS735 Cowper Street Suite BPalo Alto, CA 94301650-321-3266
Chun K. Kim DDS35900 Bob Hope Drive Suite 110Rancho Mirage, CA 92270760-770-4033
John Van der Werff DDS2315 N. Bechelli Lane Suite DRedding, CA 96002530-242-6017
Mark E. Abramson DDS6 Malory CourtRedwood City, CA 94061650-369-9227
Rick K. Smith DDS8030 Soquel Avenue Suite 101Santa Cruz, CA 95062 831-462-5600
James E. Eckhart DDS21210 Anza AvenueTorrance, CA 90503310-540-5911


 


Comment on Sleep Dentistry California



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Sleep Categories
LoveToKnow Tools