Snoring and Sleep Apnea

We are pleased to welcome you to Encino Dental Practice. Our goal is to improve your health and overall well-being. Our dentist, Dr. Mamaliger, can help if you or someone close to you is suffering from sleep apnea or snoring. We are located in Encino, CA, and offer advanced treatments to treat these conditions. This will ensure that you have a good night's rest. This page provides comprehensive information on snoring, sleep apnea, and their symptoms. It also includes treatment options and the importance of treating these conditions.

Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and sleep-disordered breathing are two common sleep disorders that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Understanding these conditions will help you find effective treatments.

  • What is Snoring?

    Snoring is caused by a partial obstruction of the airflow through the nose and mouth during sleep. The tissues in the throat vibrate due to this obstruction, producing the sound of snoring. Although occasional snoring may not be a problem, chronic snoring could indicate a serious condition such as sleep apnea.

  • What is Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

    Sleep apnea, also known as sleep disturbances, is characterized by frequent interruptions of breathing while sleeping. These interruptions can last several seconds, and they may occur repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea can be classified into three types:

    • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most common type of OSA. It occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively, causing a temporary obstruction of the airway.
    • Central Sleep Apnea: This occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
    • Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: This is also known as treatment-emergent Central Sleep Apnea and occurs when someone has OSA and CSA.

  • Risk Factors

    There are several factors that can increase your risk of snoring or sleep apnea.


    • Obesity: Excess body weight can narrow the airways.
    • Age: Sleep apnea is more prevalent in older adults.
    • Gender: Males are more susceptible to sleep apnea.
    • Family History: A sleep apnea family history increases your risk.
    • Alcohol & Sedatives: These substances relax the muscles of the throat and increase the risk of airway obstruction.
    • Smoking: Smoking increases inflammation and fluid retention of the upper airway.
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Symptoms of Complications

Early intervention and treatment of sleep apnea and snoring are crucial if you want to treat them. These conditions can have serious health consequences if left untreated.

  • Common Symptoms

    • Loud Snoring: Chronic loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea.
    • Choking or Gasping: Episodes involving choking or gasping during sleep.
    • Frequent Wakings: Waking multiple times during the night.
    • Daytime Slumber: Excessive sleepiness during the day.
    • Morning Headaches: Frequent headaches when waking.
    • Attention and Memory Problems: Trouble concentrating.
    • Changes in Mood: Anxiety, depression, or irritability.

  • Health Complications

    Untreated snoring or sleep apnea may lead to serious health problems, including:

    • Cardiovascular Problems: High blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke.
    • Diabetes Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
    • Obesity: Poor sleeping quality can lead to obesity and weight gain.
    • Mental Health Issues: Increased risks of depression and anxiety.
    • Accidents: Driving while tired can cause accidents and injuries.

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Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

At Encino Dental Practice, Dr. Mamaliger provides a variety of treatment options for snoring, sleep apnea, and other issues. Our goal is to help you improve your overall health and sleep quality.

  • Lifestyle Changes

    • Weight Loss: Losing weight can reduce sleep apnea and snoring symptoms.
    • Sleep Position: By sleeping on your side rather than your back, you can keep your airways open.
    • Avoiding Alcohol & Sedatives: Reducing these substances' intake, especially before going to bed, can improve symptoms.
    • Smoking Cessation: Quitting tobacco can reduce inflammation and improve airway function.

  • Oral Appliances

    Oral appliances (also known as mandibular advance devices) are custom-fit devices that keep the airway wide open by repositioning your lower jaw and tongue. These appliances can be used to treat mild or moderate sleep apnea.

  • Continous Positive Airway Pressure(CPAP)

    CPAP is the most effective and common treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. The mask is worn over the mouth and/or nose while sleeping. The mask is attached to a machine that delivers air continuously, maintaining the airway.


  • The Following Are Some of the Most Effective Ways to Reduce You Risk

    Surgery may be required to treat sleep apnea and snoring. Surgical options include:

    • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removal of excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway.
    • Genioglossus Advancement: Repositioning the tongue muscle attachment to prevent airway collapse.
    • Maxillomandibular Advancement: Repositioning the upper and lower teeth to increase the airway.
    • Nasal Surgery: Correction for nasal obstructions such as a deviated septum.

  • Positional Therapy

    Positional therapy is the use of devices or techniques that encourage sleeping positions that avoid airway obstruction. Special pillows or wearable devices, for example, can keep you from sleeping on your back.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea: The Importance of Addressing Them

It is important to treat snoring or sleep apnea in order to improve your health and quality of life. These conditions are important for many reasons.

  • Improved Sleep Quality

    A good treatment can improve sleep quality and lead to improved health, energy, and mood.


  • Reduced Risk of Health Complication

    You can reduce your risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and high blood pressure by treating sleep apnea.


  • The Daytime Functioning Enhanced

    Treatment can improve your ability to focus, work, and carry out daily tasks safely.


  • Better Mental Health

    Sleeping better can improve your mental health and reduce the risk of depression, stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders.


  • Improved Quality of Life

    Snoring, sleep apnea, and other issues can improve your overall quality of life. You will be able to have better mental health, physical well-being, as well as social interactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the Causes of Snoring or Sleep Apnea, and What Can Be Done About It?

    Snoring and sleep disorders can be caused by many factors. These include obesity, anatomical anomalies, sleeping position, alcohol, sedatives, smoking, and certain medical conditions.


  • How is Sleep Apnea Detected?

    A sleep study is usually used to diagnose sleep apnea. This can be done at a sleep clinic or at home using portable monitoring equipment. This study will monitor your sleep patterns, breathing, and other physiological functions in order to determine whether you have sleep apnea.


  • Can Oral Appliances Be Used to Treat Sleep Apnea Effectivly?

    The use of oral appliances is very effective in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. These appliances are fitted to your mouth, and they work by repositioning your jaw and tongue in order to keep the airway wide open.


  • Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

    Children can suffer from sleep apnea. Some of the most common causes are enlarged tonsils, adenoids and anatomical anomalies. Children with sleep apnea should be treated to avoid complications and improve the quality of their life.


  • What Lifestyle Changes are Helpful for Snoring or Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

    Losing weight, sleeping on the side, avoiding alcohol, sedatives, and smoking, as well as maintaining good sleep hygiene can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring.




  • Does Surgery Always have to be Performed for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

    Sleep apnea can be treated without surgery. Many patients are able to manage their condition effectively with lifestyle changes, dental appliances, or CPAP treatment. Surgery is often considered in cases where other treatments have failed or are severe.
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