Sleep Apnea Screenings
The first step in treating sleep apnea is getting a confirmed diagnosis of the condition. Our dental office is able to perform initial screenings in order to recommend further action in the treatment process. Dr. Ansari performs a visual check to spot airway blockages and check the size of tongue and tonsils. We also record weight and height measurements to determine Body Mass Index and have patients fill out questionnaires to obtain a clearer understanding of their sleep habits and daily wellness.
When performing sleep apnea screenings for children, we determine if patients grind their teeth, snore frequently, or mouth breathe, which are signs of sleep apnea in young patients; these habits indicate that children are attempting to open airways while sleeping.
For official diagnosis of your sleep condition, it’s important to visit a sleep lab following your initial screening at our office, so your physician can recommend treatments. Once you know what’s behind the snoring, it can be treated accurately.
Why Treat Sleep Disorders?
Sleep apnea is serious and contributes to much more than poor quality of sleep. Sleep apnea requires prompt treatment to avoid symptoms and side effects that include:
- Acid Reflux
- Snoring
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- Irritability
- Waking up Tired
- Sleepiness
- Dry Mouth/Throat
Your body needs adequate rest to promote prolonged health and wellness. If you’re unable to get the sleep you need because of disrupted breathing, you could be facing overall systemic health issues that have a significant negative impact on your daily life, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. With our convenient options for treatment, there’s no reason to put off getting the care you need.
Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy
Effective therapies are those that help to open airways passages during sleep and promote the flow of air. Your sleep physician may recommend a CPAP machine, which pushes a steady stream of air into your mouth, so you can breathe successfully.
However, for some people, tolerating the CPAP is difficult. For those patients, Dr. Ansari uses oral appliances that look like retainers to ensure better flow of air. These appliances are small, portable, and adjustable. Sleep apnea dental appliances keep airways open by bringing the jaw forward and preventing the collapse of soft tissue that can close-off air passages. Some of these appliances can cover top and bottom teeth, depending on a patient’s needs, and are much more easily tolerated than CPAP equipment.
Contact Our Office Today to Learn More about Sleep Apnea Treatment
Dr. Ansari is happy to provide comfortable solutions to sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy from his Hayward dental office. For more information, or to schedule your initial sleep apnea screening and consultation, contact us today.