Sleep Apnea Treatment in Poway, CA

How dentistry fits into sleep apnea care

Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, briefly interrupting breathing. It is a medical condition, and it is diagnosed by a physician, usually after a sleep study performed at home or in a sleep lab. A dentist does not diagnose sleep apnea, but a dentist trained in oral appliance therapy can play an important role in treatment for selected patients.

At Gentle Dentistry of Poway, our role is to work alongside your physician. When a sleep physician has diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea and determines that an oral appliance is appropriate, we can design and fit a custom device. This coordinated approach keeps the medical diagnosis with the physician while providing you with a dental treatment option managed by our team.

Signs that may point to a sleep concern

• Loud, frequent snoring, often noticed by a partner
• Pauses in breathing or gasping during sleep that others observe
• Waking unrefreshed even after a full night in bed
• Daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, or irritability
• Morning headaches or a dry, sore throat on waking
• Teeth grinding or jaw tension that may accompany disturbed sleep

These signs do not confirm sleep apnea, and they can have other explanations. If you recognize several of them, the right first step is a conversation with your physician about whether a sleep evaluation is warranted.

Oral appliance therapy explained

An oral appliance is a custom device worn during sleep that helps hold the lower jaw and tongue in a position that supports an open airway. For selected patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP, an oral appliance can be a possible alternative recommended in coordination with a physician. It is smaller and quieter than a CPAP machine, which some patients find easier to use consistently.

An oral appliance is not the right choice for everyone. CPAP remains a primary treatment for many patients, particularly in more severe cases, and the best option depends on your diagnosis and your physician's guidance. We are honest about when an appliance is a reasonable fit and when it is not.

How the process works

1. Your physician diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea, typically after a sleep study.
2. If an oral appliance is appropriate, you are referred for a dental fitting or ask us to coordinate with your physician.
3. We examine your teeth, jaw, and bite to confirm an appliance is suitable for you.
4. We take impressions so the device is custom-made to fit your mouth.
5. We fit the appliance, make adjustments for comfort, and review how to use and care for it.
6. You follow up with your physician to confirm the treatment is working as intended.

Follow-up matters. Because your physician manages the medical side, ongoing communication helps confirm that the appliance is providing the intended benefit and that your sleep is genuinely improving.

Related care at our office

• Custom Night Guards
• TMJ Treatment
• Our Doctors

What affects the cost of oral appliance therapy

Because oral appliance therapy is tailored to the individual and often involves your physician, cost varies. Factors that may influence it include the type of appliance, the examination and impressions needed, the number of adjustment visits, and coordination with your medical provider. Sleep apnea care is frequently handled under medical rather than dental benefits, which affects coverage. After we review your diagnosis and needs, we provide a personalized estimate at your consultation.

Why patients choose Gentle Dentistry of Poway

• Care coordinated with your physician's diagnosis rather than replacing it
• Custom appliances made from precise impressions for a comfortable fit
• Honest guidance about when an appliance is and is not appropriate
• Attention to the bite and jaw so the device is well tolerated
• A comfortable, patient-first environment from Dr. Shabnam Pedram and Dr. Maggie Abadan
• Convenient care for patients in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and Scripps Ranch

Talk with us about your options

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are exploring an alternative to CPAP, or you want to know whether an oral appliance could suit you, contact Gentle Dentistry of Poway. We are glad to coordinate with your physician and explain what oral appliance therapy involves.

Information on this website is educational and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or personalized treatment plan from a licensed dentist. Treatment recommendations, timing, costs, and results vary by patient.