Sleep Apnea
Why is Sleep Apnea dangerous ?
A good night’s sleep is one of the most powerful ways to protect your health, boost your energy, and improve your quality of life. But if you’re doing everything right and still waking up tired, groggy, or foggy—it could be more than stress. It could be sleep apnea.
Millions of Americans struggle with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder that interferes with breathing and puts long-term strain on your heart, brain, and immune system. Loud snoring, chronic fatigue, and trouble focusing are just the beginning.
At Woodland Hills Smiles in Woodland Hills, CA, we offer a comfortable, effective solution using custom-fitted oral appliances. These small, quiet devices gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep—without the bulk or noise of a CPAP machine.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are just starting to notice the signs, we’re here to help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and feel better every day.
What is Sleep Apnea ?
Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it’s a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to pause repeatedly throughout the night. These interruptions, often lasting 10 seconds or more, occur when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax and block your airway. This common form of the disorder is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Each time your breathing stops, your oxygen levels drop. Your brain briefly wakes you up just enough to resume breathing—though you may not remember it happening. This cycle can repeat dozens or even hundreds of times per night, putting your body under constant stress and preventing the deep, restorative sleep you need to function at your best.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including:
Chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
Mood swings, depression, or irritability
High blood pressure and heart disease
Increased risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes
Even if you go to bed early, you may still wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or pounding headache—and wonder why you’re exhausted all day.
The good news? For many patients, sleep apnea can be treated effectively with a simple, custom-fitted oral appliance. These quiet, comfortable devices restore airflow while you sleep—no mask, no tubes, no noise.
Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Approach
At Woodland Hills Smiles, we believe treating sleep apnea shouldn’t be intimidating, uncomfortable, or one-size-fits-all. That’s why our approach is centered on personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and treatment options that fit easily into your lifestyle.
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—or for those who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine—we offer custom oral appliances that are small, silent, and easy to wear. These devices gently reposition your lower jaw while you sleep, helping to keep your airway open so you can breathe freely throughout the night.
We also go beyond function to prioritize comfort. Each appliance is designed using precise digital scans of your teeth for a personalized fit—no bulky hardware, no messy impressions, and no frustrating adjustment period.
Here’s what sets our care apart:
A thorough consultation that includes medical history, sleep screening, and a detailed oral exam
Collaboration with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure cohesive care
Clear communication and education at every step, so you feel confident and in control
Our goal is simple: to help you sleep better, feel better, and live better—through care that’s tailored to your needs and delivered with compassion.
What to expect during Sleep Apnea Treatment ?
What to Expect During Sleep Apnea Treatment
Starting sleep apnea treatment doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Woodland Hills Smiles, we make the process clear, comfortable, and completely personalized—from diagnosis to better sleep.
Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Sleep Evaluation & Consultation
We begin with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Gunnala, where we’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous sleep studies. If you haven’t been formally diagnosed, we can refer you to a trusted sleep physician or help arrange an at-home sleep test.
Step 2: Digital Scans & Appliance Selection
If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll take detailed digital impressions of your teeth—no goopy trays required. Based on your bite and sleep needs, we’ll select the best-fitting device to support your airway and deliver results.
Step 3: Custom Fitting & Instruction
When your appliance arrives (typically in 2–3 weeks), you’ll return for a fitting. We’ll ensure it fits snugly and comfortably, make any needed adjustments, and show you how to wear and care for it at home.
Step 4: Follow-Up & Better Sleep
Most patients adjust to their appliance within a few nights and report improved sleep, energy, and focus within the first week or two. We’ll follow up with you to ensure your treatment stays on track—and you stay well rested.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
Custom oral appliances can be a life-changing solution for many people struggling with sleep apnea—but they’re not the right fit for everyone. A quick consultation at our Woodland Hills dental office can help determine whether this treatment matches your needs, health history, and lifestyle.
You may be a strong candidate if you:
Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Experience loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or frequent nighttime waking
Have been diagnosed with OSA but can’t tolerate CPAP therapy
Prefer a quiet, non-invasive, and travel-friendly solution
Are not significantly overweight (as this may affect appliance effectiveness)
Want a treatment that’s custom, comfortable, and easy to use
You may not be a candidate if you:
Have severe OSA that requires higher levels of airway support
Are missing many teeth or have oral health issues that affect appliance fit
Have TMJ disorder or severe bite misalignment (we’ll assess this carefully)
Prefer a permanent surgical solution (we can refer you to the right specialist)
Not sure where you fall? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. If an oral appliance isn’t the best option, we’ll guide you through your alternatives, whether that’s a referral to a sleep physician, assistance with CPAP therapy, or pairing treatment with lifestyle changes like weight management.
Your sleep our priority!
At Woodland Hills Smiles, we believe we can make a difference in helping you sleep better if you are suffering from sleep apnea. Please check out our symptoms at the top of the page and give us a call at 818-883-0007 if you need help. We love our patients and they always come first. You can also email us at office@woodlandhillssmiles.com
Our Location
Find us nestled in Woodland Hills, where comfort meets top-notch dental care tailored just for you.
Address
5348 Topanga Canyon Blvd Suite 102
Woodland Hills CA - 91364
Hours
Mon-Thu 8-5