What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes sufferers to stop breathing frequently throughout the night or breathe so shallow that the oxygenation level of their blood crashes, leaving sufferers in an almost nightlong state of metabolic panic.
The breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur up to hundreds of times a night jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm.
Sufferers spend a greater time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep needed to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive.
This chronic sleep deprivation results in a cascade of issues such as:
Daytime sleepiness
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Slow reflexes
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Deficient concentration
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An increased risk of accidents
Sleep apnea typically leads to serious health problems over time, including:
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Diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Weight gain
But with Dr. Campo’s specialized treatment you can control the symptoms, get your sleep back on track, and start enjoying what it is like to be refreshed and alert every day.
Types of sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea – The most common type of sleep apnea. Occurring when the soft tissue in the back of the throat relaxes during sleep and blocks the airway, often causing loud snoring and gasping throughout the night.
Central sleep apnea – A less common type involving the central nervous system. Typically, the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing. People with central sleep apnea seldom snore,
and the signs are harder to diagnose.
Complex sleep apnea is a combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Signs & symptoms of sleep apnea
Millions of people suffer from sleep apnea and do not even know it. It can be tough to identify sleep apnea, since the most notable signs happen while you are asleep. An easy way to identify if you are showing signs is to ask a bed partner to keep an eye on you, or to record your sleep habits by keeping a sleep diary. There are in-home kits to check, but the tried and true method is to visit a medical professional to properly diagnose. Campo Dentistry has plenty of options for you and your busy lifestyle. Do not lose another night of sleep!
Major signs and symptoms of sleep apnea
If loud, chronic snoring, choking or gasping during sleep occurs, you may be candidate for treatment. Long pauses in breathing, and daytime sleepiness, no matter how much rest you have gotten are also major players in diagnosing. Morning headaches are also a tell tale sign of not getting enough sleep.
Other common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:
There are other signs that your body is trying to tell you something such as:
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Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
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Restless or fitful sleep
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Insomnia or nighttime awakenings
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Going to the bathroom frequently during the night
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Waking up feeling out of breath
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Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
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Moodiness, irritability, or depression
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Dental treatment for sleep apnea
Typically, Campo Dentistry will arrange a series of tests to see if you are a candidate for sleep apnea treatment. If the tests show us that you are a fit, there are dental devices made from acrylic and custom fit inside your mouth, much like an athletic mouthguard. These devices are designed to help open an airway, and leave you breathing easy, and sleeping better.
Other sleep devices are fit around your head and chin to adjust the position of your lower jaw. Two common oral devices are the mandibular repositioning device and the tongue retaining device. These devices open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep.
Cavities, or tooth decay, is the breakdown of the enamel and underlying surfaces and structures of the tooth. A cavity, or a hole in the tooth, can happen to anyone at any age. If you eat or drink foods or beverages containing sugar and acid and there is already plaque bacteria on the teeth, the enamel is weakened by the acid byproduct of the plaque.
With the help of a dental professional, decay can be preventable with a healthy diet, regular plaque removal and the use of fluoride and sealants.
Although there are many reasons crowns are used in dentistry, a crown is primarily used when a tooth needs a restoration when the problem area of the tooth is too large for a filling. Crowns are used to build a tooth back to its original shape and size, protect a weak tooth from breaking, attach bridges, finalize implants and for many other cosmetic reasons.
Dr. Campo also offers the CEREC crown system which is a crown made in the office in about an hour. Also called “single visit dentistry” our software and technology use a scanner and a milling machine to produce a precise, custom fit tooth in the office while you wait.
There are plenty of options for patients looking for a whiter and brighter smile. Whitening your teeth is a very simple process with excellent results.
Our office offers both take home and in office whitening procedures. The whitening solutions (either at home or chairside) break down stains into smaller particles making the darker color less concentrated and teeth brighter.
Some medications, food and drinks, tobacco products, trauma and age all cause discoloration of the enamel and our Kor whitening products address all issues with excellent results and very little sensitivity.
In dentistry, it is always important to ask the patient, “Are you happy with your smile?” Dr. Campo puts a lot of focus on meeting his patients cosmetic needs in a step by step communication process.
Even the smallest changes can boost confidence self-esteem and overall health and well-being. From bonding to whitening to implants or a full mouth make-over, Campo Dentistry can address all of your dental wants and needs creating positive changes to your smile.
Dentistry is a preventive medicine. Regular dental visits help prevent serious diseases of the oral cavity as well as other serious medical problems. The advantage of routine visits is to address problems while they are little to avoid serious complications. Upon your first visit, a series of digital radiographs will be taken to see problems that may be hidden in the teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Digital radiography typically reduces radiation exposure by 75% and each image can be manipulated with our high tech software, thus eliminating the need for retakes or additional images. Our radiographs also save you time and provide a more comfortable experience. At each visit, out highly trained staff is assisting Dr. Campo with your overall diagnosis including checking for cavities, gum disease and an oral cancer screening.
We also offer a 3D CT scanner so Dr. Campo can see a 3D image of your entire jaw including your teeth and your muscles used in chewing that connect the jaw to the skull.
Using this incredible technology, we can get a complete picture of your mouth in 3D, allowing us to make the best and most informed decisions concerning your entire treatment with maximum comfort and NO gagging.
Routine dental cleanings are an integral part of preventive dentistry. Dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is performed by the dental hygienist, who removes both soft plaque bacteria and calculus (hardened plaque) that forms both above and below the gum line. Patients are able to disturb plaque formation with good homecare but not all of the bacteria can be removed by the patient so it is important to have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Superficial staining from food and drink such as coffee, teas, and soft drinks, etc. is removed with a polishing agent at these routine dental cleanings.
The hygienists works along with the patient to provide individualized instructions for homecare to remove the bacteria that causes gingivitis, periodontal disease and cavities. They help the patient achieve better overall oral health.
Symptoms associated with a tooth needing a root canal are:
Temperature sensitivity (hot/cold)
Spontaneous throbbing/discomfort
Swelling and/or pressure
Deep cavity that extends into the nerve of the tooth
If a tooth exhibits any or all of the above symptoms the treatment needed to save the tooth is a root canal. Root canal therapy is a procedure where the dentist removes an infected or nonviable nerve. Once the nerve is removed from the canal (root) of the tooth, the canals are cleaned and sealed (filled).
By removing the nerve (blood supply) of the tooth, it no longer receives the nutrients needed to keep is strong and therefore becomes brittle and prone to fracture. In order to provide strength and longevity for the tooth a buildup restoration and full coverage crown is indicated.
After a root canal is performed it is normal for the patient to experience soreness and tenderness in the area treated. These symptoms typically subside within a day or two.
What are dentures?
A denture is a prosthesis to replace all missing teeth. It can be supported by the gum tissue or
attached to implants for stability.
Are you a candidate?
Deep decay for un-restorable teeth, periodontal disease or replacement of a prior denture.
An impression is taken and sent to the lab to fabricate a precise flitting (denture) prosthesis. This can
take up to 3 visit in order to make sure the fit, bite, color and patient satisfaction are done before the
denture (prosthesis) is fabricated.
After Care
You may feel some sore spots after the delivery. This is normal. It takes a few minutes or a few
appointments to resolve this. You can soak your denture an over the counter denture cleaner. DO not
use toothpaste, it maybe to abrasive. It is recommended to see your dentist at least once a year for
an oral cancer screening.
Gum Disease and Periodontal Care
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, and is an infection of the gums and teeth. Gum disease is the most common reason for tooth loss in adults. Since it is virtually pain free, many patients do not know something bad is happening inside their mouths.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (bacteria formed on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will build up and create harmful toxins. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line, creating small pockets separating the gums a part from the teeth.
Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis – The gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
At this stage, the disease is considerably treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis – If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to fall out or in need of removal.
Certain factors can increase a patient’s risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
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Smoking or chewing tobacco
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Diabetes
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Certain types of medication: steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
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Bridges that no longer fit properly
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Crooked teeth
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Old fillings
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Pregnancy
While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:
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Gums that bleed easily
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Red, swollen, tender gums
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Persistent bad breath or bad taste
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Pus between teeth and gums
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Permanent teeth loose or separating
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Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
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The fit of partial dentures Treating Gum Disease
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Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on severity of the individual case.
Do not lose your teeth to periodontal disease!
Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining a healthy smile. By practicing good oral hygiene at home, you will significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush often, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits.
Tooth Extraction
When restoration procedures such as root canal therapy, crowns, or fillings are not enough to save a tooth, extraction may be the only option. Extraction procedures today are far less painful than ever before, thanks to numbing anesthetics and sedatives.
Generally, a patient getting a tooth pulled experiences little pain and minor bleeding. Before the tooth in question is extracted, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a topical/and or injectable anesthetic.
Smoking, over-brushing, and drinking through straws are discouraged during the post-operative period because they set back the healing process. Cold compresses applied to your cheek near the extraction area help reduce swelling.
Wisdom Teeth
Unfortunately, most people experience problems from wisdom teeth. If wisdom teeth are causing pain, this could mean that they are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be harmful to your oral health.
After an extraction, it is essential for a blood clot to form. Blood clots stop bleeding and begin the healing process.
If the bleeding keeps up, place another gauze pad in your mouth and bite firmly for 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing.
Do Not
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Rinse vigourously
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Suck on straws
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Smoke
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Drink alcohol
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Brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours.
These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot. And by doing so, will retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. After the tooth is extracted you may feel slight pain and experience minor swelling.
An ice pack applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious meals on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. It’s necessary to resume a regular dental routine after 24 hours, including brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day.
After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your usual activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, or severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication – call our office immediately.
CEREC One-Visit Porcelain Crowns
In the past, getting a crown required two visits spaced a few weeks apart. CEREC eliminates the need for the second visit. Campo Dentistry now uses a revolutionary technology that mills a permanent
crown in about an hour: CEREC.
How CEREC Works:
After taking a 3D image of your tooth, our CEREC machine gets to work, milling a strong, beautiful tooth restoration in about an hour.
We will permanently place the crown during your single visit, and you will leave our office with a full, healthy smile. No multiple appointments, and no missing out on your hectic life.
Tried and True Technology
Millions worldwide have experienced the convenience of CEREC crowns.
CEREC Blocs, the material from which the crowns are milled, are backed with 20 years of research. CEREC also mills inlays, onlays, and veneers for your convenience.
Achieve beautiful results and optimal oral health at Campo Dentistry in New Orleans YOUR Uptown New Orleans Dentist.
Call our Uptown office today and schedule a routine care, consultation, or second opinion appointment with Dr. Campo.