Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea and is caused by the vibration of soft tissue in the throat as air passes through. Sleep apnea and snoring can both cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and morning headaches.
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and is caused by obstruction of the airway. Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Recognizing Signs That May Require Further
Evaluation
Sleep apnea can affect more than the quality of your sleep. Repeated interruptions in normal breathing may prevent the body from progressing through restorative stages of sleep, which can leave patients feeling tired even after spending an adequate number of hours in bed. Because symptoms may occur while a person is asleep, a spouse or family member is sometimes the first to notice unusual breathing patterns.
Patients may benefit from discussing their symptoms with a medical or dental professional when they experience concerns such as:
- Waking frequently during the night without an obvious reason.
- Gasping, choking, or feeling short of breath during sleep.
- Feeling excessively tired or sleepy during normal daytime activities.
- Experiencing dry mouth or throat discomfort after waking.
- Having difficulty feeling rested despite getting a full night of sleep.
- Hearing from a partner that breathing appears to pause or become irregular during sleep.
At Citracado Dental Group, evaluating these concerns begins with understanding your symptoms, health history, and any previous sleep-related testing or treatment. Our goal is to help patients in Escondido, CA. understand when dental sleep medicine may have a role in their overall care.
Dental Sleep Medicine & Oral Appliance
Therapy
For some patients with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring, an oral appliance may be recommended as part of a physician-directed treatment plan. These custom appliances are worn while sleeping and are designed to help maintain a more open airway by supporting the position of the lower jaw and related oral structures.
Unlike an over-the-counter snoring device, a professionally provided oral appliance is selected and adjusted based on the patient’s individual anatomy, comfort, symptoms, and treatment needs. Follow-up is also important because the fit and effectiveness of the appliance may need to be evaluated over time.
What To Expect From Oral Appliance Care
& Follow-Up
When oral appliance therapy is appropriate, care may include:
- Evaluating the teeth, jaw joints, bite, and oral structures before treatment.
- Selecting an appliance based on the patient’s needs and the physician’s recommendations.
- Carefully adjusting the appliance to balance airway support with comfort.
- Monitoring the bite and jaw for changes during follow-up appointments.
- Coordinating with the patient’s physician when additional sleep testing or medical evaluation is appropriate.
Citracado Dental Group takes a collaborative approach because sleep apnea is a medical condition. Dental treatment is not intended to replace an appropriate medical diagnosis or physician oversight.
Coordinating Dental Care & Medical
Diagnosis
A proper diagnosis is an important part of determining which treatment is appropriate. Patients who have not previously undergone a sleep evaluation may need to work with a physician or sleep specialist before moving forward with certain forms of treatment. Depending on the patient’s circumstances, this may involve a sleep study that measures breathing, oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and other factors while the patient sleeps.
Once the condition has been evaluated, Dr. Jungman can work alongside the patient’s physician to determine whether oral appliance therapy may be beneficial. This coordinated approach helps ensure that treatment decisions are based on the type and severity of sleep apnea rather than snoring symptoms alone.
Finding A Comfortable Long-Term Solution & Better
Sleep
Sleep apnea treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Some patients may be better suited for oral appliance therapy, while others may require different medical treatment or a combination of approaches. Comfort, consistency, symptom improvement, and appropriate follow-up all play important roles in long-term success.
For patients who struggle with another prescribed treatment, discussing those concerns with both the treating physician and dental provider may help identify additional options rather than abandoning treatment altogether.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring, it is important to make a consultation appointment with Citracado Dental Group. Dr. Jungman is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He will work with you and your physician to determine your best course of treatment. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. With proper treatment, most people with sleep apnea or snoring can achieve significant improvement in their quality of life.