Sleep Apnea Achieve a Better Night’s Sleep & Better Health

Sometimes, snoring is just an inconvenience during sleep. In other cases, snoring is a sign of a serious medical condition known as sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to start and stop while sleeping, and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, such as Dr. Aynechi, are an integral part of care teams that treat sleep-related breathing disorders. As a board-certified oral surgeon and physician, Dr. Aynechi can diagnose airway problems and treat sleep apnea to help you achieve a healthy, restful night’s sleep. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and are ready to explore your treatment options, contact Beverly Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants. We will evaluate your oral health and sleep apnea concerns, discuss your options, and design a personalized treatment plan to improve your overall health.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  There is an obstruction in the airway, disrupting airflow during sleep. Obstructions may be caused by the tongue falling back into the throat, inflammation of the airway, or fatty deposits.

• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

  The brain does not send signals for the body to breathe normally.

Some people experience either OSA or CSA, while others may experience a combination of both. Obstructive sleep apnea ranges in severity from mild to severe. Even in mild cases, we recommend an evaluation to assess the airway and explore treatment options to prevent the condition from worsening.

Risks of Sleep Apnea

If sleep apnea is left untreated, oxygen levels within the body will begin to drop. People with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk for serious medical problems, including stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, thinking and memory problems, and impotence. Even if you are setting aside plenty of hours for sleep every night, if the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, you can awaken from a full night of rest feeling groggy, irritable, and tired. Obstructive sleep apnea can also cause:

• Altered performance in school or at work
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Marital or social problems
• Increase the risk of accidents and injuries

Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, which is often reported by a roommate or bed partner. Because the symptoms occur during sleep, many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have the condition at all. If you have been told that you snore loudly or awaken with gasps during the night, these could be signs that you have sleep apnea, and we recommend contacting our office for an evaluation. Other signs of sleep apnea include:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dry mouth

Contact our office for a consultation if you suspect you may have obstructive sleep apnea. The sooner this condition is treated, the faster we can help you achieve a restful and healthy sleep.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

During your appointment, we will take 3D scans of your head and neck to assess the airway. These detailed images will reveal any obstructions and help Dr. Aynechi design a custom treatment plan for your condition. In most cases, we will recommend conventional measures first, as they are an effective way to manage OSA for many patients.

Treatment may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or changing sleeping positions
• Oral appliances that keep the jaw forward during sleep to keep the airway open
• CPAP, which is a breathing device that uses positive air pressure to keep the airway open

If these methods are ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Prior to any procedure, we will discuss your anesthesia options to ensure your comfort. Surgery may involve repositioning the jaws or opening the airway to prevent restriction. Surgical treatment offers long-term results and can eliminate the need for a CPAP machine or nighttime oral appliances.