Sleep Apnea and Snoring
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Comfortable, Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment Restores Quality Rest and Health

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition affecting more than 18 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Up to 90% of the people who suffer from this condition are undiagnosed. Unfortunately, while people may recognize that they snore and remain tired throughout the day, they may not realize that these are potential signs of a life-threatening condition: Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Fortunately, it can be accurately evaluated and managed at the office of Dr. Jeffrey Robertson, DDS in Irvine, California.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? 

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have airway blockages while sleeping. These obstructions cause them to stop breathing (apnea literally means “without breath”). Periods of interrupted breathing can last for 10 seconds or longer. They may occur throughout the night. Individuals with severe sleep apnea could experience hundreds of these episodes in a single night.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include: 

  • Very loud snoring 
  • Gasping
  • Choking 
  • Abrupt reawakening as the body suddenly rouses itself to resume breathing 

Patients may not remember these episodes in the morning. These repeated waking episodes prevent the deep sleep each of us needs. Without treatment patients’ quality of life and health suffer. Daytime fatigue and sleepiness have a detrimental effect on productivity at work and in personal relationships.

These effects can even increase the risk of vehicle or workplace accidents. Sleep apnea is also associated with various serious systemic conditions from hypertension and cardiovascular disease to stroke and depression.

How Can a Dentist Help?

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for sleep apnea and is often one of the first prescribed solution by sleep specialists, nearly half of all patients cannot tolerate this therapy – for various reasons.

Dr. Robertson and his team have a great deal of experience and training in using customized mouthpieces to effectively treat sleep apnea. These oral appliances reposition your tongue to keep it from falling back and hold your jaw in a slightly different position. Such repositioning stops the airway from closing. 

During your consultation, Dr. Robertson will discuss your needs, lifestyle, preferences, and other factors that could influence treatment recommendations. If CPAP therapy is not an option for you, or if you’d like to learn more about oral appliances and what they can do, call our office in Irvine, CA, at (714) 908-7472 to schedule your consultation.