Sleep Medicine in Newport Beach, CA
Dr. John B. Chrispens has over 30 years of experience in dentistry and offers sleep study options at his Newport Beach, CA sleep clinic. During the course of his career, he has extensively studied obstructive sleep apnea and even completed a residency in sleep medicine. Because nearly 30% of our patients live with Type II Diabetes — a condition significantly linked with gum disease, atherosclerosis, and the inability to sleep — we implement sleep screenings into every patient exam.
Do You Have Sleep Apnea?
Having obstructive sleep apnea is similar to having too small of a “garage” (oral cavity) for their “car” (the tongue.) When a person breathes during their sleep, they should have an area that’s as wide as a garden hose for oxygen flow, but many of them are restricted to an airway that’s as narrow as a drinking straw.
Thanks to our 3D conebeam equipment, we can take a virtual scan of the head and neck anatomy to assess the airway and evaluate its size. If we suspect obstruction, we can send the images to your sleep physician or pulmonologist for further diagnosis.
Our Newport Beach practice also has take-home pulse oximeters and sleep study equipment that can be used to monitor your sleep in the convenience of your own home.
Options for Curing Sleep Apnea
We work alongside of nearly 30 other providers to bring sleep studies and specialist screenings with sleep physicians and pulmonologists to our patients in need of those resources. The separate sleep center allows you to utilize medical insurance for the coverage of your treatment, after we’ve screened you for conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Once formal testing is complete, we work with the physicians to develop a treatment plan to cure your sleep apnea… not mask the symptoms. In many situations, this involves orthodontically widening your jaw. In combination with Invisalign orthodontics, this surgical process activates the bone to move your teeth rapidly, helping to open the airway for optimal oxygen flow.
What About Oral Sleep Appliance Mouthpieces?
In some instances, an oral appliance may be the most appropriate “immediate” option for helping our patients establish an open airway when they sleep. However, it may not necessarily be the final solution for addressing obstructive sleep apnea.
Do you or your sleep partner snore? Not treating the underlying issue could cost you your life. During your consultation with our Newport Beach dentists, we’ll assess you for other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (such as large tongues, evidence of teeth grinding, and a large neck circumference) to determine if a medical referral may be necessary.
Call John B. Chrispens DDS & Associates today to schedule an evaluation.
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