Sleep Apnea Treatment in San Francisco

San Francisco Dental Wellness provides sleep apnea treatment in San Francisco, CA. Call 415-781-1944 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Dr. Chris Chui is double-boarded in Dental Sleep Medicine and is currently the Clinical Director for Dental Sleep Medicine at the San Francisco VA Hospital, treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea - with oral appliances without CPAPs.

Sleep apnea or, more specifically, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a condition that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. The muscles located in the back of the throat cause the airway to become blocked as your body relaxes. Thankfully, there is a complex connection between the brain and the body so, as the breathing stops, a signal is sent to the brain to wake up and take a breath.

This cycle is repeated over and over and over throughout the night - keeping those with OSA from getting quality sleep at night.

There are a few key signs that may signal you are suffering from untreated sleep apnea. Sure, loud snoring is a sign, but it is only one of many. Below are a few additional signs to look out for:

• Dry mouth upon waking
• Loud snoring
• Waking up gasping for air
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache in the morning
• Tired throughout the day
• Increased aggravation

For those with mild sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy (OAT) using the ProSomnus Micro 2 is a great option to find relief from the condition without having to turn to more advanced methods. This oral appliance was designed by experts in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine to hold the jaw in the most optimal position so that the airway remains open. It is a thin, strong, and comfortable device that is very effective.

Moderate sleep apnea may be treated with this oral appliance or it may require a stronger solution. Many times, a commonly known breathing device - the CPAP machine - is effective at treating obstructive sleep apnea. There are different types and sizes, though it typically fits over the mouth (sometimes the nose, too) and blows air into the throat. It is this constant air pressure that keeps the airway open while you sleep.

When it comes to snoring therapy, at San Francisco Dental Wellness, we only offer the best treatment. The ProSomnus Micro 2 is an oral appliance that helps reduce or eliminate snoring. 

This oral appliance is meant to be worn while sleeping and it will position the jaw in the most optimal position. It is thin, strong, and comfortable to wear.    

A few other advantages are: 

• Provides a lot of space for your tongue
• Designed by experts 
• Created as a single piece 
• Easy to clean

Dr. Chris Chui is Board-Certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Sleep and Breathing Academy - and is a leader in the field. In fact, he is only one of a selected number of dentists who are double-boarded in dental sleep medicine.

Using an at-home sleep study test, Dr. Chui is able to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and determine the best form of treatment. The entire team at San Francisco Dental Wellness understands the importance of a night filled with good, quality sleep - and we want to help you achieve it.

There are many different causes of obstructive sleep apnea, but most commonly it is caused by excessive weight or obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea will not just go away on its own - and you will continue to face the same struggles every day, such as fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, etc. Making lifestyle changes like losing weight can help to resolve the symptoms and alleviate OSA.

Having an at-home sleep study with Dr. Chui is the best way to determine just how mild or severe your sleep apnea is - and the best method of treatment. Schedule an appointment today to get started.