Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing due to airway blockages, leading to significant long-term health risks. Unlike ordinary snoring, sleep apnea is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
Nearly 54 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic breathing disorder where a person suffers from interrupted breathing while they sleep. These breathing interruptions occur when throat muscles, tongue, tonsils, or soft palate relax, blocking the airway and preventing proper breathing. This can cause you to stop breathing hundreds of times per night, with episodes lasting from a few seconds to over a minute, resulting in severe drops in blood oxygen levels.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring that may disrupt your partner’s sleep
- Gasping or choking for air during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness despite getting a full night’s rest
- Morning headaches and dry throat upon waking
- Mood changes, irritability, and difficulty concentrating
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
- Waking up frequently to use the bathroom
- Decreased libido and unexplained fatigue
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation, if as untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications.
Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
When left untreated, sleep apnea poses significant risks to your overall health and well-being:
- Cardiovascular problems: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Sleep apnea can both cause and worsen existing hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes: Sleep apnea affects insulin resistance and glucose control
- Liver problems: People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Memory and cognitive issues: Poor sleep quality impairs concentration, focus, and memory
- Depression and anxiety: Sleep deprivation often leads to mood disorders
- Decreased quality of life: Chronic fatigue can affect work performance, relationships, and daily activities
- Higher risk of accidents: Due to daytime drowsiness and impaired concentration
- Increased risk of dementia in older adults with untreated sleep apnea
Diagnosis: How We Identify Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through comprehensive sleep evaluation performed by a qualified sleep physician. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we work closely with sleep specialists to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
The Diagnostic Process
- Initial Screening: During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform an oral examination.
- Sleep Study: If we suspect sleep apnea, we’ll refer you for a sleep study (polysomnogram). This can be performed:
- At-home sleep test: Convenient monitoring of breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement in your own bed
- In-lab sleep study: More comprehensive overnight evaluation in a sleep laboratory
- Expert Analysis: A sleep physician reviews your results to confirm diagnosis and determine severity:
- Mild OSA: 5-15 breathing interruptions per hour
- Moderate OSA: 15-30 breathing interruptions per hour
- Severe OSA: More than 30 breathing interruptions per hour
Comprehensive Treatment Options
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we believe in providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Our team, led by Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, offers several effective treatment options:
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
Our primary treatment approach involves custom-fitted oral appliances designed specifically for sleep apnea and snoring. These comfortable devices work by:
- Repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward
- Preventing the tongue from blocking the airway
- Stabilizing the soft tissues of the throat
- Maintaining an open airway throughout the night
Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Silent and non-disruptive to you and your partner
- Small and portable for travel
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Immediately effective from the first night of use
Types of Oral Appliances We Offer
We provide several types of FDA-approved oral appliances, each with unique benefits:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
- Custom-fitted to your unique dental anatomy
- Adjustable to find the perfect position for optimal comfort and effectiveness
- Most commonly prescribed type of oral appliance
- Tongue Retaining Devices
- Ideal for patients who cannot use mandibular advancement devices
- Holds the tongue forward to prevent airway blockage
- Can be used by patients with no teeth or dental restorations
Alternative and Complementary Treatments
In addition to oral appliance therapy, we may recommend:
- Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, positional therapy, avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
- CPAP therapy: For severe cases or as part of a combined approach
- Referral for surgical evaluation: In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient
Why Choose Newport Beach Dental Center for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Expert Care from Qualified Specialists
Our experienced Newport Beach dentist Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings extensive training and experience in dental sleep medicine. As an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Sharbash stays at the forefront of sleep apnea treatment advances.
Our team works collaboratively with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care for our patients with sleep-related breathing disorders.
Personalized Approach
We understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we:
- Take time to thoroughly evaluate your condition
- Consider your preferences and lifestyle
- Create a customized treatment plan
- Provide ongoing adjustments and support
- Monitor your progress to ensure optimal results
Insurance Coverage
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Our knowledgeable staff will help you navigate insurance requirements and maximize your benefits. We work with numerous insurance providers and can assist with necessary documentation for coverage.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Laura Sharbash is incredible! She is so thorough and informative, and lets you know every step of the way what’s going on so there are no surprises.” – Dalia Soliman
“Dr Laura is phenomenal. She is a true expert and will make you feel at ease. Her staff is also friendly and knowledgeable.” – Ghada Alajeely
Take the First Step Towards Better Sleep and Health
Don’t let sleep apnea continue to affect your quality of life and put your health at risk. Our Newport Beach dental team is committed to helping you achieve restful, healthy sleep through effective, comfortable treatment options.
Sleep Apnea Risk Assessment
Take our quick assessment to determine if you might be at risk for sleep apnea:
- Do you snore loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?
- Do you often feel tired, fatigued, or sleepy during daytime?
- Has anyone observed you stop breathing during your sleep?
- Do you have or are you being treated for high blood pressure?
- Is your BMI more than 35 kg/m²?
- Are you over 50 years old?
- Is your neck circumference greater than 16 inches (women) or 17 inches (men)?
- Are you male?
If you answered “yes” to three or more questions, you may be at high risk for sleep apnea and should schedule a consultation.
Contact Our Orange County Dental Office Today
Those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea who remain untreated can experience significant health repercussions. Don’t wait to address this serious condition.
Call us today at 949-760-9212 or use our contact form to take the first step toward better sleep and improved health.
Newport Beach Dental Center is located in Newport Beach, CA, providing comprehensive dental care including specialized treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders.
