Bakersfield Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Sleep apnea and snoring will prevent you from resting well. If you’ve had a sleep study and a medical doctor diagnosed you with sleep apnea, Woolf Dental can provide treatment to improve your breathing and sleep. We have had advanced training in treating sleep apnea, and Dr. Woolf is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Dentistry.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that briefly and repeatedly interrupts your sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most troubling form of the condition. It can cause your airway to be blocked intermittently while you are asleep and, besides causing cause snoring, can be harmful to your health and safety.

What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a narrowed or closed airway while you are asleep:

• The muscles that support your tongue and soft palate relax.
• Your tongue falls against the palate, and the soft palate falls against the back of your throat.
• Your airway narrows or closes and temporarily cuts off breathing.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Sleep apnea signs and symptoms vary with the individual, but common symptoms include:

• Dry mouth when you wake up
• Extreme daytime sleepiness and dozing off, even during activities
• Frequent urination at night
• Interrupted breathing
• Irritability
• Loud snoring
• Mood changes
• Morning sore throat

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you think you have sleep apnea, our board-certified sleep-apnea specialist will do the following:

• Perform an exam
• Talk to you about your sleep disturbances
• Give you an appliance to wear for an at-home sleep study to record activity when you sleep, including:
  • Airflow
  • Brain waves
  • Eye movement
  • Heart rhythm
  • Leg movement
  • Oxygen levels

What Is the Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

A sleep apnea specialist who diagnoses you with sleep apnea may recommend that you wear an oral appliance while you sleep to relieve the signs and symptoms. Oral appliances are often the first choice for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. At Woolf Dental, we provide the TrueDorsal® appliance. We will take digital impressions of your teeth to make an appliance that fits you comfortably. Separate top and bottom trays fit over your teeth comfortably. The upper tray engages with the lower one to move your jaw forward and prevent airway blockage.

Your appliance will be:

• Comfortable
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Portable
• Quiet

What Happens If Sleep Apnea Is Left Untreated?

Untreated sleep apnea can be harmful to your health. Lack of sleep decreases your ability to concentrate and increases your risk of accidents at home, work, school, or while driving. Poor sleep quality also increases your risk for some medical conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity

When Will You Get Relief from Sleep Apnea/Snoring?

The custom oral appliance will move your jaw forward and help you breathe and sleep better—and stop snoring—the first night you wear it. Our sleep apnea specialist will schedule an at-home, follow-up sleep study to ensure the oral appliance gives you maximum relief. We will adjust the appliance based on the specialist’s recommendations.

Your sleep quality will improve, alleviating the health complications that accompany sleep apnea.

Ready to Improve Your Sleep Quality?

Woolf Dental can fill your prescription for a custom oral appliance. We work with a board-certified sleep apnea specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

Call us or request an appointment online.