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Sleep Apnea Specialist

Tereza Hambarchian, DDS -  - Dentist

ProDent Care

Tereza Hambarchian, DDS

Dentist located in Glendale, CA

Sleep apnea can cause many health issues if left untreated. At ProDent Care, Dr. Hambarchian is specially trained to help patients overcome the snoring and restless sleep of obstructive sleep apnea. Patients throughout the Los Angeles, CA area can get the sleep apnea treatment they need at their welcoming Glendale, California location.

Sleep Apnea Q & A

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), also simply known as sleep apnea, is a condition where the soft tissues of the throat become loosened or lax. This makes them descend into the airway when the person is asleep. When these tissues drop down into the airway they block a person’s airflow and can cause the person to have trouble breathing. These disruptions in breathing can last briefly, only a few seconds, or they can go on for longer periods of time. Disruptions can also take place several times a night and interfere with a person’s sleep cycle. Symptoms can be nonexistent or very mild however for many individuals they are bad enough to cause snoring, snorting, and even choking when asleep.

Does everyone who snores have sleep apnea?

Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. However, this does not always guarantee that a person has sleep apnea. Snoring can be related to clogged sinus passageways, allergies, and colds. Additionally, not every person with OSA will exhibit snoring. If a person experiences persistent snoring problems in addition to other symptoms of sleep apnea such as daytime drowsiness, problems concentrating, moodiness, forgetfulness, and falling asleep during the day, it is much more likely that the person has sleep apnea. If this is the case, the person should contact Dr. Hambarchian to be tested for the condition. This will be especially true if the individual wakes up choking or gasping.

What problems can sleep apnea cause?

Sleep apnea is linked to several health risks which can include:

  • Increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks
  • Having a stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Cognitive issues

 

The disruptions can also increase the risk of a person being a part of a fatigued car accident.

What treatments are used?

When symptoms are less serious, a night guard can be used to shift the lower jaw forward, thus keeping the airway free of the blockage. These mouthguards are tailor-made for each patient and will be comfortable to wear when asleep. When symptoms are more severe, laser therapy, surgery, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can be very beneficial. These assist the patient to sleep without disruptions in breathing.

 

*Information on this site is educational in nature and not intended to be a substitute for consultation by a dentist or professional dental care.

Insurance

We accept most insurance plans and will gladly process your claim. Please bring the necessary information with you on your first visit. Insurance policies generally cover only a portion of the total treatment cost. Unless other arrangements have been made, we ask that you pay your portion of the bill at the time of treatment. It is your responsibility to pay any balance not paid by your insurance company. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. For your convenience, we also accept PayPal and CareCredit.

Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareCredit
Cigna
Connection Dental
Delta Dental
Dental Benefit Providers
Dental Health Alliance
GEHA
Guardian
Humana
MetLife Dental
Premier Access
Principal Financial Group
Tricare