Signs & Symptoms

One of the most common signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is loud and chronic, ongoing snoring.  Pauses may occur in the snoring.  Choking or gasping may follow the pauses. Another common sign of sleep apnea is fighting sleepiness during the day, at work, or while driving.                                                                

 Other signs and symptoms:               

·       morning headaches

·       memory or learning problems, not able to concentrate

·       irritable, depressed, mood swings, personality changes

·       wake up frequently to urinate

·       dry mouth or sore throat when wake up

*Note: Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.

*Note: Not everyone who has sleep apnea snores.

Sleep apnea can impact more than just your sleep. It can decrease your longevity, cause depression and decrease your chance of promotions.

For more information on sleep apnea, contact Dr. Lee & her team today.

Sleep Apnea

                                                  

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while the patient is asleep.  There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and complex.                        

 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Complex sleep apnea is a combination of the obstructive and central sleep apnea.  Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. People with sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer. In most cases the sleepers are unaware of these breath stoppages because they don’t trigger a full awakening.

It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea undiagnosed.  Untreated sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. OSA is also associated with type 2 diabetes, liver problems, depression and daytime fatigue.

OSA can strike people of any age, including infants and children, but it is most frequently seen in men over 40, especially those are overweight or obese.

For more information, contact Dr. Lee & her team today.

What is Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a dental treatment performed when deep decay has reached the pulp of the tooth.  The treatment is usually performed to save the tooth from being extracted. Extracting a baby tooth before it is ready to exfoliate (fall out) can affect the way the permanent teeth come in and may cause problems with the child’s occlusion (bite) in the future.

After a pulpotomy procedure is completed the baby tooth can be restored with a filling or a crown.  The most common type of crown restoration is a stainless steel crown and it is the least expensive. 

Parents play an important role in early detection of decay.  If you suspect that your child may have tooth decay, call Dr. Anna Lee for an examination. 

Remember early diagnosis and regular dental check-ups will prevent oral health complications.  Don’t wait; call today 626-335-5114, for a dental check-up.

Are Composite Fillings Right for Me?

There are different types of fillings, and a variety of factors will be considered before a recommendation is made on the best material for you or your child. Dr. Anna Lee many times recommends a composite filling which can be used to restore front and back teeth, but here are the facts in order for you to decide which one may be right for you or your child.

Advantages:

·      Strong and durable

·      Tooth colored

·      Single visit

·      Minimal tooth reduction

Disadvantages:

·      Slightly higher costs

·      May leak over time

·      Teeth may be sensitive

If you or your child has a cavity and you are not sure about which type of filling you want to use, contact Dr. Lee & her team to discuss your particular concerns.