Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea in El Segundo, CA
Did you know we are now screening our patients for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing.
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem and if left untreated it can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Other related conditions include Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Depression, Insomnia, Erectile Dysfunction and Cancer.
As your oral healthcare provider we are in unique position to identify those at risk for sleep apnea. Due to our familiarity with the oral cavity and upper airway we can visually detect signs associated with sleep apnea. Combined with a thorough assessment of your sleep and medical history we are able to determine your sleep apnea risk level.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Once your risk level is determined we may recommend you take a Home Sleep Test. A Board-Certified Sleep Specialist will analyze the results to determine your diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea you can be treated right here at Calleros Dental with oral appliance therapy.
If you think you or someone you know may have sleep apnea call our office today to make an appointment for a sleep consultation!
CALL US: (310) 414-9564 REQUEST APPOINTMENT