Sleep Apnea

The standard of your slumber significantly impacts your overall health and wellness. Studies have discovered numerous links between the quality and length of sleep and physical, emotional, and mental health. Here’s a brief run-down of these associations:

Physical health: 

• Tissue Restoration: Your body diligently mends various tissues while you sleep.
• Cardiac Wellness: Persistent lack of sleep can result in excess weight and hypertension, subsequently impacting heart health.
• Immunity: Insufficient sleep can impair your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Hormonal Equilibrium: It’s essential to understand that many bodily hormones play key roles in maintaining optimal physical functioning.
• Weight Increase: Lack of sufficient sleep can trigger overeating and weight gain, facilitated by hormonal changes.

Mental health: 

• Emotional Wellbeing: Insufficient sleep can result in feelings of irritability, unpredictable mood changes, and can even potentially lead to depression.
• Memory Consolidation: Adequate sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, turning fleeting short-term memories into lasting long-term ones.

Dr. Ramin Mirmooji and his proficient team, specializing in sleep dentistry, are dedicated to detecting potential risks of sleep-associated breathing issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Through comprehensive oral examinations, our team can identify patients who may have or be at risk of developing these sleep-related breathing disorders. These patients are then referred to expert medical practitioners for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

If you experience only mild sleep apnea or occasional snoring or find CPAP treatment unsuitable, Dr. Ramin Mirmooji and his expert associate can offer an effective solution with appliance therapy. This approach strategically positions your lower jaw and tongue to increase breathing space during sleep.

Dentistry can offer non-invasive treatments for sleep apnea, particularly through oral appliances. These devices reposition the lower jaw to open the airway, allowing for better airflow and reducing the frequency of apnea episodes during sleep. Dr. Mirmooji specializes in customizing these devices for effective, comfortable treatment. The goal is to provide a solution that improves breathing and sleep quality without the discomfort and inconvenience associated with a CPAP machine. Oral appliances are a great alternative for patients who find CPAP therapy difficult to use or uncomfortable.

For many patients, an oral appliance can be a highly effective alternative to CPAP therapy. While CPAP is the gold standard for severe cases, oral appliances are often preferred for mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are portable, more comfortable, and less intrusive than CPAP machines, making them an excellent choice for many people. The choice between CPAP and an oral appliance depends on the severity of the sleep apnea. 

If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, or choking sensations while sleeping, it’s worth discussing sleep apnea with Dr. Mirmooji. A comprehensive evaluation, including a sleep study, can help determine if an oral appliance is appropriate for your condition. Dr. Mirmooji may recommend an at-home sleep test or refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are key to avoiding long-term health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Yes, children can develop sleep apnea, especially if they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, or obesity. If your child experiences difficulty sleeping, loud snoring, or frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, it’s essential to seek a pediatric sleep evaluation. Early treatment can help avoid complications later in life. Pediatric sleep apnea is often treated differently than in adults, with options such as surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids or oral appliances to help reposition the jaw and improve airflow.

Yes, when properly fitted and monitored by a trained dentist, oral appliances are a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea. Dr. Mirmooji ensures that each appliance is customized for comfort and functionality, minimizing any risk of dental damage or discomfort while improving sleep quality. The appliances are designed to be comfortable enough for nightly use and tailored to each patient’s needs.

The results from an oral appliance for sleep apnea can often be felt within the first few nights of use, such as improved sleep quality and reduced snoring. However, full benefits may take a few weeks to manifest. Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Mirmooji will ensure the device works effectively as your treatment progresses.