Snoring and Sleep Apnea

It is estimated that 30-50% of patients snore while sleeping- the incidence of snoring increases with age and men snore more frequently than women. Most people are unaware that there is professional help available for snoring.

A related condition, sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the breathing space in the back of the mouth is closed off. OSA causes significant pauses in breathing and can be life threatening.

Dentists are associated with the treatment of both snoring and OSA. However, a team approach is a safe and effective means to treat these conditions. Dentists work with dental laboratories; sleep technicians and board certified sleep physicians as a team to curb snoring and sleep apnea.

Causes of snoring are partial or complete closure of airway is the cause of snoring as seen in:

Obstruction of nasal airway

Weak throat muscles

Lower jaw being too far back closing off throat

Sleeping posture- sleeping on back causes closure of breathing space

Fat accumulation in and around throat

Loss of muscle tone related to aging

Use of muscle relaxants including alcohol and sedative hypnotics

Snoring Effects:

Sleep deprivation

Social and marital challenges

Increased potential for heart attack and stroke

Snoring can be reduced or eliminated with relative ease but the associated condition of OSA needs more consideration. The pauses in breathing in children and adults happen between 5- 30 times an hour and causes daytime fatigue, slow reaction time and vision problems. About 15% of the American population suffers from sleep apnea. It is a serious condition that can be life threatening. Since OSA is associated with snoring, it must be addressed as part of the treatment for snoring.

Types of Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive sleep Apnea- occurs when soft tissue in the back of throat relaxes during sleep and blocks airway and causes loud snoring

Central Sleep apnea- much less common condition and occurs when the nervous system fails to signal the muscles that control breathing

Complex Sleep apnea- a combination of OSA and central sleep apneas and is associated with significant medical problems

All forms of sleep apnea often go unnoticed and can become serious when left untreated over time.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatments:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Anti snoring oral appliances / mouthpiece for snoring

Surgery

Medications

Losing Weight

Stopping Smoking

Sleeping on Side

Over the Counter Nasal Sprays

Nasal Strips or Clips

Anti Snoring Pillows

CPAPs and anti snoring devices are the most used and most successful treating options. Severity of snoring and OSA condition is measured by a sleep monitoring device to select appropriate treatment. Assuming that the OSA is not severe, sleep apnea dental appliances can easily control snoring and OSA.



Potential Side Effects of Oral Appliances:

Jaw/facial pain

Bite Changes

Tooth Pain

Jaw Joint Pain

Drooling

Dry Mouth

Sound, restful and peaceful sleep is possible. Cost of our sleep apnea dental appliances, or our mouthpiece for snoring are very minimal considering the huge benefits of sound sleep and increased productivity. 

Visit www.smileartistrychino.com for more information on our services.

Treatment Planning for Frail Older Adults (Article 3 of 4)

 Treatment planning  for frail and dependent patients should meet the objectives of preventing pain and infection, maintaining function, preventing systemic complications and improving or maintaining quality of life.

Frail adults live in the community but have varying degrees of functioning limitations.Their treatment options are guided by their level of dependency- no dependency, medium dependency or high dependency status.

For medium dependency adults, the recommendation is to treat teeth conservatively. Restore carious lesions using atraumatic techniques and floride releasing restorative materials. Dentures or removable teeth replacements should be designed to facilitate hygiene and easy removal.

Dependent older adults typically live in long term care settings and are home  bound. For homebound and long term care residents, recommendations include managing discomfort and infection and performing  only procedures necessary for social interactions and normal function.

Early in the interactions with frail or dependent patients, it is important to gauge the patients ability to comprehend treatment recommendations and independently make competent decisions. Patient's financial resources, general health, cognition and  capacity for home care must be taken into account. The benefit from the proposed treatment must be weighed very carefully against the physical discomfort and mental anguish a particular patient may experience.  The focus is to address the patient's primary concern.

For more information call 909 627 6699 or visit www.mydentistchino.com

Summer Fun!

Sjogren's Syndrome causes Dry Mouth

Sjogren's syndrome ( sho' grins ) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks its own body.  This attack causes inflammation that may cause destruction of tissues and impair their function.

In Sjogrens, salivary and tear glands are the major targets of attack which results in reduced production or saliva and tears.  The lack of saliva causes difficulties with speech, swallowing, extreme tooth decay, oral sores and fungal infections.

Many Sjogren syndrome sufferers also experience debilitating fatigue.  Blood tests show presence of autoantibodies.  Antibobies are substances produced by the immune system of the body to defend against foreign material including bacteria and viruses

Diagnosis is based on  combination of subjective and objective symptoms including dry mouth, presence of autoantibodies and inflammation infiltrate in the salivary glands.

Sjogrens syndrome impacts 1-4 million in the US and is the most common autoimmune disease after rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome affects people over 50 years  and women affected out number men by 9-1.

"Treatment is generally symptomatic and patients often find a way of working around it by regular hydration, regular dental visits with flouride supplements" says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry1

Anyone can Smile!

Dental Art Just in Time for Summer

Keep Smiling

Smile Quote!

Treats and Teeth

 

Treats and Teeth - a Lifelong Love!

Save The Smile

"The Dreaded Root Canal"

Countless times, I have heard the expression, "I would rather have a root canal",. As much as it started off having a negative connotation with a touch of sarcasm, over the years: it has evolved into a statement of fact.

Our office has had great success helping patients who are apprehensive of dental visits or have had bad prior dental experiences.
The once "dental chickens"( as some in the profession refer to this group of patients) turn around to enjoy their dental visits and many of them, after they have had the "dreaded root canal" performed. 

The current technology and available choice of materials facilitate one visit root canals that can be completed within a half hour to an hour based on the number of canals and roots. The range of anesthetics available make it relatively painless for even the most abscessed tooth. With a touch of tender, compassionate care added in the office, trust is established and root canals are completed fast and easy.

"It is extremely gratifying to have patients who have refrained from dental visits for years leave our office amazed with how painless the visit was and go on to write glorious reviews.  The direct patient experience reviews encourage others who are still hiding behind the phantom fear of a root canal."

Visit www.chinosmiles.com for more information and read the reviews.

Neglect is expensive!

New Year 2014

 

Wish You A Happy & Prosperous New Year

Happy Holidays

 

Season's Greetings  from Dr. Cherukuri, Debbie, Arlene and Theresa

TGIF

Keep Your Teeth!

Halloween Decoration!

Trick or Treat!

When to Get a Second Opinion for Dental work?

You should consider having second dental health professional weigh in on your dental health concerns if:

• Your dentist has diagnosed a major problem, such as oral cancer.
• You have had dental work that is not fixing your problem.
• You are unsure if the recommended treatment is necessary, or you're concerned about whether costs.
• You feel that your dentist is not qualified to treat your dental health problem.
• You don't have good rapport with your current dentist.

The Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion for Dental Work

All dentists have unique backgrounds, because they were trained differently or because they have seen different sets of dental health problems in their practice. Multiple perspectives can help you make an informed decision about treatment.

Another reason you may want to seek a second opinion is if you need to see a specialist. Some dentists specialize in certain conditions or aspects of dental health, and seeing a specialist in addition to your general dentist may be advantageous — the specialist will have more experience in diagnosing and treating problems like yours. 

Where to Go and What You Should Ask

There are several ways you can find another dentist to assess your problem:

• Ask your primary dentist. If you have a good relationship with your current dentist, ask him or her for a referral to another dentist for a second opinion. "I've had patients ask me whom they can turn to for a second opinion," says Price.
• Ask loved ones. If you don’t feel comfortable talking with your current dentist about your concerns, ask friends or family to recommend a dentist.
• Call a dental society. A local or national dental society may be able to provide a referral for a second opinion consultation.
• Contact a local dental school. If you live near a dental college, call to see if they can suggest a dentist for a second opinion.

Also call your dental health insurance company before you go to a second dentist. Many plans will cover a second opinion, but there may be certain steps you and your current dentist will need to take in order for the second opinion to be covered. 

Once you find a second dentist, consider asking these questions:

• Do you agree with the diagnosis my dentist has made?
• What treatment options do I have for my problem?
• How much will each option cost me?
• How will each treatment option improve my dental health?
• What will happen if the problem is not treated?
• What are the risks of each treatment option?
• How long will the treatment benefits last? Will I need future treatments? 

 Our office offers complimentary consultation for second opinions.  Visit 

WWW.CHINOSMILES.COM   and  ASK Dr.C to address any questions.