Dentist in Irvine CA

What is Sleep Apnea – in Irvine, CA

Understanding Sleep Apnea: Types and Treatment Options in Irvine, CA

Do you often wake up feeling exhausted despite spending what seems like a full night in bed? Are you frequently told that you snore loudly or gasp for air during sleep? These could be signs of a common yet potentially serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Understanding this condition and its various types is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur multiple times per hour and last for seconds to minutes. As a result, the individual’s sleep becomes fragmented, leading to daytime fatigue and other health complications.
 

Types of Sleep Apnea:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): 

This is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea, occurring when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to airway obstruction or narrowing. OSA is often associated with loud snoring and choking or gasping for air during sleep.

2. Central Sleep Apnea:

Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This results in interrupted breathing patterns during sleep, without the presence of airway obstruction.

3. Central Sleep Apnea:

This type of sleep apnea, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, occurs when an individual exhibits both obstructive and central sleep apnea patterns.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of various health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Treatment Options at Yanagi Dental in Irvine, CA:

At Yanagi Dental, we offer comprehensive care for sleep apnea tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Our treatment options may include. 

  • Oral Appliance Therapy: 

Custom-made oral appliances can help reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, reducing the frequency of apnea episodes.

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: 

CPAP machines deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose or mouth, preventing airway collapse during sleep.

  • Lifestyle Modifications: 

Making lifestyle changes such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and avoiding alcohol before bedtime can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

We understand that the cost of treatment can be a concern for many patients. That’s why we offer 0% financing options to make care more accessible and affordable.
 
Don’t let sleep apnea disrupt your life any longer. Contact Yanagi Dental in Irvine, CA, at (949) 733-3647 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Glenn Yanagi and take the first step towards a restful night’s sleep.

This is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea, occurring when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to airway obstruction or narrowing. OSA is often associated with loud snoring and choking or gasping for air during sleep.