Airway related disorders are quite common among individuals of all age groups. However, they are often ignored as we tend to consider them as harmless and would wear off with time. This can worsen the condition further, making a significant impact on your oral health and your everyday routine. At Galan DNTL, we conduct an extensive diagnosis of airway-related health concerns and provide non-invasive and comprehensive treatment to help you overcome them.
Dr. Galan is a trained Craniofacial Medicine Dentist San Jose who delivers a novel therapeutic protocol using specific diagnostic procedures and patented biomimetic oral appliances that target and treats the underlying craniofacial anatomical deficiencies- an effective airway centered alternative treatment to PAP for patients diagnosed with obstructive Sleep Apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly experienced airway disorders by patients in America. It is caused by the partial or complete blockage of the airway, which forces the patient to wake up in the middle of their sleep, often feeling traumatized. There are two types of sleep apnea, namely Obstructive and Central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA occurs when the tissues collapse from the roof of the throat while the patient is sleeping. When we sleep, the muscles of the body relax. In patients with OSA, the tissues near the throat loosen excessively, suddenly collapsing and blocking the airway. The patient may experience short pauses in breathing, or in worst cases, unable to breathe at all.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA, being the lesser prominent type, is caused when the brain fails to signal the lungs on time to inhale air. Due to this, the patient will briefly stop breathing in the middle of sleep, which denies the body its regular supply of oxygen.
How does airway centered dentistry treat sleep apnea?
When children experience sleep apnea, symptoms like bedwetting, behavioral issues, and chronic allergies can be seen. In adults, symptoms such as snoring, sore throat, headache, low tolerance levels, lack of sleep, tiredness, fatigue, etc. are quite common. As a diagnostic procedure, we evaluate the shape of the jaw and palate, as it plays a major role in airway disorders.
Based on the observations, we may suggest treatment in the form of therapies, medication, and appliance therapy. They will help in minimizing breathing issues, and you will be able to sleep better without any interruption.