Sleep Better and Stop Snoring
Sleep Apnea and Sleep Obstruction Disorders
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing—usually momentarily—while asleep. Sleep apnea is very harmful for two reasons. First, it is very important for your health and the quality of your life and work life that you get a good night’s sleep. Second, people suffering from sleep apnea may not get enough oxygen to keep their bodies, and in particular their brains, functioning optimally. Dr. Robert Fremont offers simple and effective treatment for sleep apnea in San Diego, CA.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
In addition to sleeplessness, sleep apnea comes with some serious risks, including the following:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated risk of heart failure
- Elevated risk of stroke
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Shortness of breath upon waking
- Difficulty breathing
- Waking up with headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Irritability
- Waking up in a sweat
Snoring
Snoring can be embarrassing and can upset your sleep as well as your partner’s sleep. Call Dr. Fremont today if you are ready to start sleeping better and stop snoring in San Diego, CA.
Diagnosing a Sleep Obstruction Disorder
Diagnostic testing for sleep apnea can be done here at Dr. Fremont’s office through pharyngometry and rhinometry technology. This is a simple breathing test that measures the depth and volume of the airway obstruction. Physical examination also includes measuring for a wide neck, looking for enlarged tonsils, and assessing upper body obesity. A sleep study can be used to help determine if an individual has a sleep obstruction in a detailed report. At our office, we offer a sleep study at home in the comfort of your own bed using the Watermark ARES device. A licensed sleep doctor will evaluate your sleep study and give a diagnosis. After a diagnosis, the doctor will review treatment surgical and non-surgical options. Non- surgical treatment include sleep appliance mouth guards, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), medications, or behavioral changes.
Factors that Influence Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is caused when the soft tissue in the airway relaxes and blocks air from entering or exiting. These changes can occur because of changes in muscle tone, increase in soft tissue due to obesity, or just from carrying more muscle tone and tissue mass. Nasal congestion and alcohol consumption can contribute to sleep apnea. In children, sleep apnea can be caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids Sleep apnea can be a part of the aging process when the brain’s capacity to transmit instructions telling the throat muscles to maintain rigidity decreases.
A Simple Appliance Can Treat Your Sleep Apnea
Comfortable Appliance for Sleep Apnea
Dr. Fremont treats obstructive sleep apnea in San Diego, CA with a simple oral appliance that keeps your airway open while you sleep. This is not a sleep apnea mask, but a rather unobtrusive appliance similar to a mouth guard. This CPAP alternative is worn only during sleep, and supports the jaw to help open the patient’s upper airway. Advantages of this oral appliance are:
- More comfortable than a mask
- Easy to wear
- Portable
- Non-obtrusive
- Will not disturb sleeping partner
To find out if this CPAP alternative is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Fremont today.
Sleep Apnea Experience and Modern Technology
Dr. Fremont has been trained by Sleep Group Solutions (SGS), a privately held sleep medicine company, to help implement the proper treatment plans for his patients. Dr. Fremont uses a device called the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer, which is a non-invasive testing device used to help identify narrow, obstructed and collapsible airways. Dr. Fremont also offers the latest technology in in-home sleep apnea testing, to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and high level of care our patients deserve.
Dr. Robert Fremont provides comprehensive dental services and treatment for snoring and sleep apnea in San Diego, CA. To see how Dr. Fremont’s expertise can improve your life, contact our office for your consultation today.
Dr. Fremont has been providing affordable and exceptional dentistry in Pacific Beach La Jolla Clairemont and San Diego for over 30 years.