Escondido Sleep Apnea Treatments
Sleep Apnea Treatments from Douglas G. Hope DDS, FAGD
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, and most people are unaware that they even suffer from this condition. However, it is a serious problem that can result in sleep issues, headaches, migraines and even an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Dr. Douglas Hope specializes in the treatment of sleep apnea in Escondido, San Marcos, Valley Center and Rancho Bernardo. Since many people don’t receive treatment or even get a diagnosis of sleep apnea, it’s important to understand the condition and get to know the symptoms.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. As the name suggests, this type of apnea occurs when the soft tissues of the mouth, throat and palate relax during sleep and obstruct the airway, interrupting normal breathing.
This can prevent the affected person from breathing for 10 seconds or longer in some cases. Since sleep apnea interrupts oxygen flow to the body, it’s a serious condition.
Sleep apnea is not the same thing as snoring, although snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea. Snoring is simply caused by air vibrating through the soft tissues in the mouth and airway.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Think you may have sleep apnea, or worried that your partner or another loved one may be suffering from this condition? Look for these signs and symptoms:
- Waking up gasping or choking in the middle of the night
- Daytime irritability and sleepiness
- Mood swings
- Inability to feel rested after a full night of sleep
- Dry mouth or sore throat after waking
- Chronic, loud snoring with gaps in breathing
- Headaches or migraines after waking
If you recognize any of these symptoms, you should see a sleep specialist or make an appointment with Dr. Douglas Hope for a professional assessment.
Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can often be treated with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercising, or sleeping on your back. However, in cases that are more severe, other treatment may be necessary.CPAP machines are a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. These devices pump air gently into the airway and lungs during sleep, ensuring that the tissues do not collapse and breathing remains unobstructed.
Oral appliances are also a very popular treatment option, as they are easier to transport and do not require a power source. Oral appliances look a lot like retainers or mouthguards, and they’re designed to shift the position of the oral tissue and the airway to prevent obstruction.
Oral surgery is sometimes required. This is very rare, and suggested only in serious cases of sleep apnea that do not respond to other non-surgical treatments.
Get Treatment For Sleep Apnea at The Office of Douglas G. Hope DDS, FAGD
Sleep apnea is more than just a snore. It can lead to serious long-term health complications such as hypertension (high blood pressure), which may increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Don’t wait. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, come the office of Dr. Douglas Hope right away. Call us for an appointment at (760) 480-8883, or come to our office at 511 E. 2nd Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 to get started.
Testimonials
Tara C.
"Dr. Hope has been my dentist for over 7 years. I wouldn't go anywhere else. I trusted him to do significant veneer work several years ago. My smile changed and I have been very happy with the results."
Elizabeth U.
“Dr. Hope and his team are a great mix. They work well together and are very aware on making sure you have as little pain as possible. My family has been going for years and wouldn't go anywhere else.”
Melanie D.
“I've been a patient at Dr. Hope's office for almost 15 years and have referred several of my friends. The hygienists have always been super friendly and gentle. In addition to typical dental work and my regular cleanings, I did Invisalign and was very happy with the whole process. ”
Steve W.
“Dr. Hope and his staff are the best. I have been a patient there since he took over the practice from Dr. Chatton. I'm not sure how long but I've been seeing Dr. Hope for at least 10 years or more. He is a great dentist who is very knowledgeable and has the most up to date equipment.”
Rita G.
“Dr. Hope & his staff are always so welcoming and professional. They make you feel like family and they make it a point to get to know you personally. The reason I decided to give Dr. Hope my business was because I found out that he gave back to our community.”
Kathi T.
“Dr. Hope and his wonderful Staff are just the BEST!!! Dr. Hope and his awesome assistant, George, are very attentive, compassionate, accommodating, caring, funny, but first and foremost HONEST!!!”
Christina W.
“Dr. Hope and his team are wonderful! He is an amazing dentist! Everyone is so nice! I am always welcomed with big smiling faces! I will refer everyone I know to his office!”
Sylvia C.
“I have been going to Dr. Hope for quite some time now, and always feel so at ease. Dr. Hope is funny and just makes you feel relaxed while there! This is a very friendly office and as long as I'm living anywhere near San Diego I will be going to this dental practice, hopefully Dr. Hope won't be retiring any time soon (he's too young)!!!”
Real F.
“We always feel like family when in Dr. Hopes office. Each staff member treats us with professionalism and with the best personalized care. They have helped my sensitivity problem to be non existent with the treatments they provide.”
