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San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center Services

Sleep Apnea Treatment FAQs

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing condition where airflow is partially or fully blocked during sleep. These interruptions can happen repeatedly throughout the night and may reduce sleep quality and oxygen levels.

Common signs include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking at night, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Snoring is caused by vibration of tissues in the airway and does not always indicate sleep apnea. Sleep apnea involves repeated breathing interruptions. Because the two can overlap, further evaluation is often needed to tell the difference.

Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide oral appliance therapy for patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or who cannot tolerate CPAP. Dental care focuses on airway support using custom oral devices.

In most cases, yes. A sleep study helps confirm whether sleep apnea is present and determines its severity. Your dentist may coordinate care with a physician or sleep testing provider as part of the evaluation process.

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made dental device worn during sleep. The appliance is designed to help keep the airway open by supporting jaw or tongue position, depending on the design and patient needs.

Effectiveness varies by individual and depends on factors such as airway anatomy and severity of sleep apnea. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea use oral appliances successfully, especially when CPAP is not tolerated.

For some patients, yes. Oral appliances are commonly used as a CPAP alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP or prefer a different option. A dentist works within a coordinated care model when oral appliance therapy is considered.

There are three main types: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. Dental sleep medicine focuses on obstructive sleep apnea, which is related to airway blockage during sleep.

Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with daytime fatigue and other health concerns. Because of this, proper evaluation and coordinated care are important when symptoms are present.

Oral appliances are designed to be conservative, but changes can occur if devices are not properly monitored. Regular follow-up visits help ensure the appliance remains comfortable and functions as intended.

Most patients adjust over time. Mild jaw or muscle soreness can occur initially, which is why appliances are custom-fitted and monitored. Comfort and fit are evaluated during follow-up visits.

After diagnosis and evaluation, appliance fabrication typically takes several weeks. Timelines can vary depending on case complexity and coordination with other providers.

Coverage varies by plan. Some medical insurance plans offer benefits for oral appliance therapy, while others have exclusions. Our team can help review coverage and documentation requirements.

Jaw position, muscle tension, and airway structure can overlap in some patients. When TMJ symptoms and sleep concerns occur together, a coordinated dental evaluation can help determine appropriate next steps.

If you have ongoing snoring, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, or difficulty tolerating CPAP after a sleep apnea diagnosis, a dental sleep medicine consultation may be appropriate.