Sleep Apnea and Airway Treatment

Embarcadero Dentistry
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Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975
Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975
Welcome to Embarcadero Dentistry!

Sleep Apnea and Airway Treatment Overview

At Embarcadero Dentistry, we understand the significant impact of sleep apnea and airway issues on your overall health and quality of life. Dr. Shweta Prabhakar specializes in providing comprehensive treatment solutions for sleep apnea and airway disorders. Whether you’re struggling with snoring, daytime fatigue, or other symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, she is here to help you achieve restful sleep and optimal breathing function.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses can occur multiple times per hour and may last for several seconds or longer, disrupting the normal sleep cycle and leading to symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can have several underlying causes, including:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in pauses in breathing during sleep.
  • Mixed Sleep Apnea: Combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

What is Airway Dentistry?

Airway dentistry focuses on evaluating and improving the function of the upper airway to optimize breathing during sleep and wakefulness. By addressing underlying issues such as nasal congestion, jaw alignment, and oral anatomy, airway dentistry aims to promote better airflow and reduce the risk of sleep-disordered breathing disorders like sleep apnea.

What Conditions May Benefit from Airway Dentistry?

Airway dentistry may benefit individuals with various conditions related to airway obstruction or dysfunction, including:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Improving airway patency and reducing obstruction can help alleviate symptoms of OSA and improve sleep quality.
  • Snoring: Addressing anatomical factors contributing to snoring can reduce the intensity and frequency of snoring episodes.
  • Nasal Congestion: Treating nasal congestion or structural abnormalities in the nasal passages can improve airflow and reduce breathing difficulties during sleep.
  • TMJ Disorders: Correcting jaw alignment issues or temporomandibular joint disorders can alleviate pressure on the airway and improve breathing function.
  • Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Early intervention with airway-focused treatments can prevent or mitigate the development of sleep-disordered breathing disorders in children.
Embarcadero Dentistry, San Francisco, CA – providing expert dental care, including general, cosmetic, and specialty services since 1975

What are the Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can have serious consequences for your health and well-being, including:

  • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and heart attack
  • Daytime fatigue and decreased cognitive function
  • Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
  • Impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infections
  • Weight gain and metabolic disturbances
  • Decreased quality of life and overall productivity
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Our Sleep Apnea and Airway Treatment Options

Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-fitted oral appliances are worn during sleep to reposition the jaw and tongue, preventing airway obstruction and promoting better airflow.

Intra-Oral Devices: Intra-oral devices address specific airway issues, such as nasal dilators, tongue retainers, or palatal expanders, to optimize breathing function and reduce sleep-disordered breathing symptoms.

Sleep Apnea and Airway Treatment

Don’t let sleep apnea and airway issues disrupt your sleep and compromise your health. At Embarcadero Dentistry, Dr. Shweta Prabhakar specializes in providing comprehensive treatment solutions for sleep apnea and airway disorders. Please schedule a consultation with her today and take the first step towards achieving restful sleep, improved breathing function, and better overall health and well-being.

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