Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Santa Rosa, CA
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in your throat relax excessively during sleep, causing soft tissues to collapse and obstruct your airway. This blockage can result in pauses in breathing that last from a few seconds to almost a minute. These interruptions in breathing are often followed by brief awakenings that disrupt your sleep, even if you aren't fully aware of them.
Recognizing the Symptoms of OSA
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include persistent or loud snoring, silent pauses in breathing, and choking or gasping sounds during sleep. Other frequent signs of OSA may include:
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Frequent nighttime awakenings to use the bathroom
- Difficulty focusing or remembering things
How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll need to consult with a healthcare provider, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. The diagnostic process typically involves a sleep evaluation, including an overnight study at a sleep center or a home sleep apnea test (HSAT). The results will be interpreted by a sleep specialist to determine if you have OSA.
Treatment Options for OSA
Once diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor will review treatment options with you. The most common treatments involve continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliance therapy (OAT), or surgical interventions. While CPAP therapy is often recommended, OAT can also be an effective solution. If OAT is chosen, your doctor will prescribe a custom-made oral appliance tailored to your needs.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
Oral Appliance Therapy offers a non-invasive and effective way to manage snoring and OSA, fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle. The oral appliance resembles an orthodontic retainer and is worn only during sleep. It works by positioning your jaw forward, which helps keep your airway open, thus preventing sleep apnea and snoring.
Dr. Laura Ellefson at Santa Rosa Dentistry is experienced in providing OAT and can create a custom-fitted oral appliance using detailed impressions of your mouth. Patients appreciate this treatment because it is comfortable, easy to wear, silent, portable, travel-friendly, and simple to clean.
By treating snoring or sleep apnea with OAT, you may experience a significant improvement in your symptoms and overall quality of life. Custom-fit oral appliances from Santa Rosa Dentistry can enhance your sleep, restore your alertness, and boost your overall health. If you’re concerned about snoring or sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our team at Santa Rosa Dentistry is here to answer your questions and guide you through the treatment process for obstructive sleep apnea.