Sleep Apnea Treatment in Reno & South Lake Tahoe
D'Ascoli Orthodontics
Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.
Dr. Vincent D'Ascoli has been providing sleep apnea treatment in Reno, Incline Village, Gardnerville, Carson City, and South Lake Tahoe for over 20 years! He has been a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine since 1992, and continues to take annual classes and read journals to stay current on advancements in the field. At D'Ascoli Orthodontics, we have treated thousands of patients with sleep apnea, and we feel very honored to help our patients to lead healthy, happy lives. If you want to find out more about what sleep apnea treatment can do for you, contact D'Ascoli Orthodontics to schedule a consultation!
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as often as 20 or 30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brain, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time spent awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don't remember it. Many believe they are getting a good night's sleep, when in fact they are not. The constant wake-sleep, wake-sleep cycle prevents those with sleep apnea from achieving deep sleep, resulting in a constant drowsy feeling during the day.
What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Are there different types of sleep apnea?
There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage — usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. There are mild, moderate and severe forms of obstructive sleep apnea. For mild and moderate cases, dental appliances provided by D'Ascoli Orthodontics are effective. For severe cases, D'Ascoli Orthodontics patients are referred to a sleep specialist for C-PAP or other recommended procedures. Dr. D'Ascoli enjoys teaming up with patients' physicians to help create the best protocol to help with severe sleep apnea.
Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don't receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from "mixed" or "complex" sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central. At D'Ascoli Orthodontics, we are unable to treat central sleep apnea unless it is with the help of the patient's physician and the patient's condition is also combined with obstructive apnea ("mixed" sleep apnea).
Sleep apnea treatment at D'Ascoli Orthodontics
During your initial consultation, Dr. D'Ascoli will discuss and evaluate your condition. At D'Ascoli Orthodontics, we use a 3D cone beam CAT-Scan to obtain a cross sectional picture of the airway. Our orthodontic team will also examine any home sleep test results to determine the severity of your sleep apnea, and take bite measurements with a George Gauge to evaluate suitability for a dental device.
Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are advised to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, we utilize different types of dental devices that work by bringing the lower jaw forward to move the tongue and open up the airway. The dental device can also be used along with a nasal cannula and oxygen to increase the oxygen levels in the blood.
What are risk factors for sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in males than females, and more common in older adults (40+) than younger adults and children. However, anyone — regardless of gender or age — can suffer from sleep apnea. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, drinking, use of sedatives or tranquilizers, and family history. Central sleep apnea strikes most often in people with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors. It is also more common in males.
Is sleep apnea dangerous?
Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart failure and stroke. The ongoing state of fatigue caused by sleep apnea can lead to problems at work or school, as well as danger when driving or operating heavy machinery. Sleep apnea can also cause complications with medication or surgery: sedation by anesthesia can be risky, as can lying flat in bed after an operation. If you know or suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, let your family doctor know before you take prescription medication or undergoing surgery.
What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?
Contact D'Ascoli Orthodontics to schedule a consultation!
