Sleep apnea treatment in San Diego, CA
At Raymond E. Carpenter DDS in San Diego, CA, sleep apnea treatment focuses on helping the airway stay open by guiding the jaw and tongue into a healthier position. This educational guide outlines what obstructive sleep apnea is, how oral appliance therapy works as a CPAP alternative, and what patients in San Diego, California can expect from dental sleep solutions.
Sleep apnea and dental care explained
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea (osa) is most common and occurs when the soft tissues of the throat collapse and block airflow. Common signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and dry mouth.
Untreated osa can strain the heart and brain, raising risks for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and reduced alertness. Many patients seek a comfortable therapy they can use every night, which is why oral appliance therapy is often discussed as a cpap alternative for mild to moderate osa.
Diagnosis requires a sleep study ordered by a physician. Dental providers screen for symptoms, support airway-focused care, and collaborate with your medical team to guide treatment.
How sleep apnea treatment can help
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom device—often a mandibular advancement device—that gently moves the lower jaw forward. This increases airway space behind the tongue to reduce snoring and apnea events. Within tmj treatment careful bite and muscle balance help promote a stable jaw position that supports breathing during sleep.
- improved comfort compared with cpap for many patients
- quiet and portable for travel
- helps reduce snoring that disturbs partners
- effective for many cases of mild to moderate osa
- can be combined with cpap for severe cases (to lower pressure needs)
Secondary topics patients often search include what is sleep apnea, how does an oral appliance work, benefits of mandibular advancement devices, cpap alternatives, snoring treatment, and other oral appliance options for sleep apnea.
The sleep apnea treatment process
Evaluation and records
The visit includes a health and sleep history, airway screening, jaw joint and muscle assessment, and dental exam. Records may include digital scans or impressions, measurements of bite position, and imaging as needed. If you do not yet have a diagnosis, you will be referred to your physician or a sleep specialist for a sleep study.
Custom oral appliance
A lab fabricates a custom mandibular advancement device based on your scans. The appliance is adjustable so the jaw position can be advanced in small steps to balance comfort and breathing improvement.
Titration and verification
Follow-up visits fine-tune the appliance to reduce symptoms like snoring and morning fatigue. Your medical provider may recommend a follow-up sleep study or home sleep test to confirm that apnea events have improved while wearing the device.
Long-term follow-up
Periodic checks monitor appliance fit, jaw joint health, tooth contact, and airway response. Appliances can last several years with proper care, though parts may need maintenance over time.
What to expect
- adaptation: most patients adjust within one to two weeks; temporary jaw stiffness or increased saliva can occur and usually improves
- nightly wear: consistent use is important for symptom control
- care: rinse the device daily, brush gently, and store dry as directed
- possible side effects: transient bite changes, tooth tenderness, or jaw soreness; report persistent concerns for adjustment
- when appliances are not enough: severe osa or central sleep apnea may require cpap, combination therapy, or other medical treatments
Never stop or change physician-prescribed therapy without medical guidance. Dental appliances are part of a team approach that includes your sleep physician.