Snoring can be a minor nighttime annoyance for some, but for others, it could signal a potentially serious medical condition known as sleep apnea. This condition disrupts normal breathing patterns during sleep, leading to intermittent start-and-stop breathing cycles. Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to severe health complications.
Prioritize Your Health and Sleep
At A Briter Smile, our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Khosrovani, plays a crucial role in multidisciplinary care teams dedicated to addressing sleep-related breathing disorders. As a board-certified oral surgeon and physician, Dr. Khosrovani possesses the expertise to diagnose airway issues and provide effective treatment for sleep apnea, ensuring you achieve a healthy and restful night’s sleep. If you’re dealing with obstructive sleep apnea and seek viable treatment options, we invite you to contact us at A Briter Smile practice located in Highland Park Los Angeles ,CA 90042. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and sleep apnea concerns, engage in a thorough discussion of your treatment choices, and tailor a personalized plan to enhance your overall well-being.
Sleep apnea presents in two primary forms:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
This form involves a physical obstruction within the airway, disrupting airflow during sleep. Obstructions can occur due to factors like the tongue falling back into the throat, airway inflammation, or the presence of fatty deposits.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
In CSA, the brain fails to send the appropriate signals for regular breathing.
Some individuals experience either OSA or CSA, while others may contend with a combination of both.
The severity of obstructive sleep apnea can range from mild to severe. Even in milder cases, it is advisable to undergo an evaluation to assess the airway and explore treatment options to prevent the condition from progressing.
The Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea:
Neglecting treatment for sleep apnea can lead to a gradual decline in oxygen levels within the body. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea face an increased risk of significant medical issues, including stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive and memory impairments, and even impotence. Even if you allocate sufficient time for sleep each night, inadequate oxygen supply to the brain can leave you feeling groggy, irritable, and fatigued upon waking. Obstructive sleep apnea can also contribute to:
● Impaired performance at work or school.
● Excessive daytime sleepiness.
● Difficulty concentrating.
● Marital or social challenges.
● Increased susceptibility to accidents and injuries.
Recognizing Sleep Apnea:
The most common indicator of sleep apnea is loud snoring, often reported by roommates or bed partners. Since these symptoms manifest during sleep, many individuals with sleep apnea may remain unaware of their condition. If you’ve been informed of loud snoring or waking with gasps during the night, these are potential indicators of sleep apnea, and we recommend contacting our office for an evaluation. Additional signs may include:
● Insomnia.
● Irritability.
● Morning headaches.
● Daytime drowsiness.
● Dry mouth.
Seeking timely evaluation and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is vital for attaining a restful and healthy night’s sleep.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea:
During your consultation, we will perform 3D scans of your head to thoroughly assess the airway. These detailed images will unveil any obstructions, enabling Dr. Khosrovani to devise a tailored treatment plan for your specific condition. In most cases, we start with conservative approaches, as they prove effective for many patients. Treatment may involve:
● Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management or altering sleep positions.
● Oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw forward during sleep, thereby keeping the airway open.
● CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, utilizing a breathing device to maintain airway patency.
Should these methods prove ineffective, surgical intervention may become necessary. Prior to any procedure, we will discuss anesthesia options to ensure your comfort. Surgical approaches may include jaw repositioning or airway enlargement to prevent obstructions, offering lasting results and potentially eliminating the need for CPAP machines or nighttime oral appliances.
If you’re ready to explore effective treatments for sleep apnea in Highland Park Los Angeles, CA, we encourage you to reach out to our practice today. Seeking timely treatment for sleep apnea is your pathway to achieving a healthy and rejuvenating night’s sleep. Proudly serving patients throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, we look forward to improving both your oral and overall health.
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