One of the biggest problems associated with sleep apnea is snoring. However, the condition has been linked to many other health problems, and it can affect people of all ages. At Sierra Oaks Dental, our dentist can provide a sleep apnea screening in Sacramento, California, for patients aged 8 and older. If you or someone in your family has trouble getting a full and healthy night’s rest, call (916) 481-2000 to plan a visit with Dr. Peter Kim.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a patient to stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, results from soft tissues or muscles in the throat collapsing and blocking the airway, waking the affected patient briefly so that they can reopen their airway.

There are many signs of sleep apnea:

  • Drowsiness during the day even after going to bed early
  • Changes in personality, especially irritability
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Snoring
  • Waking with a dry or sore throat
  • Morning headaches

Please speak to our dentist and your physician if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of sleep apnea listed here.

Why Opt for Sleep Apnea Screening?

A good night’s sleep is always important for your mental and emotional health. When you are not sleeping well, your body may suffer for it in ways you may not even realize until it is too late. When sleep apnea is ignored for too long, it can lead to or worsen other health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and liver problems.

Sleep apnea treatment can be a simple and quick way to halt a problem that has been affecting you for years, but you will need a screening first. See how easy a screening can be by scheduling with us!

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Screening and Treatment

A screening can allow you to know if you do indeed have sleep apnea and any specific symptoms or factors related to your unique case. Once your sleep apnea has been diagnosed, you can begin treatment. We will refer you to a sleep physician for treatment if needed.

Perhaps the most noticeable benefit of sleep apnea treatment is improved sleep at night. When your sleep apnea is properly addressed and halted, you can sleep soundly during the entire night with no interruptions in your sleep. This can allow you to feel more awake the next day and able to tackle your daily routine with the energy you need. Further, treatment can reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other health problems.

Process of Receiving Sleep Apnea Screening

We can screen for cases of sleep apnea in patients as young as 8 years old. However, sleep apnea can only be diagnosed by a sleep physician. Once you receive a proper diagnosis, our team can help you find a physician to treat your sleep apnea so that you can get the treatment that will work best for you depending on your unique sleep apnea condition. We do not currently treat sleep apnea at our practice, but we are available to help you find someone who does.

Cost of Sleep Apnea Screening

Sleep apnea is different for each patient. Patients may experience symptoms differently, and the source of their sleep apnea may vary. The cost of your screening will depend on the unique factors of your sleep apnea case.

We want to help you sleep well again! If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea screening and how it might benefit you, please give us a call and schedule with us!