Sleep Apnea
Do you always feel tired, have trouble concentrating or difficulty staying awake? Do you toss and turn in bed, feeling restless? Do you make frequent trips to the bathroom at night? Do you wake from sleep with a choking sound or gasping for breath? Do your snore loudly? Did you know that these are signs of the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing called Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you may not necessarily be aware that you aren’t sleeping well, however others may tell you or note loud snoring.
An estimated 50-70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders. The most common form of sleep-disordered breathing is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which affects more than 20 million Americans. Only about 5% of those 20 million have been diagnosed and treated.
Dr. K has been working with renowned sleep apnea specialists and cardiologists to develop effective treatment plans. He is among an elite list of dentists treating sleep apnea. We can help you determine if treatment is appropriate for you.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
There are muscles in the back of your throat that support the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, the sides of the throat and the tongue. When these muscles relax, your airway constricts and you can’t get enough air to breathe. Your brain signals your body to wake and reopen the airway. This can happen repeatedly through the night, and while you may not remember waking, it impacts your restful phases of sleep.
Consequences
Sleep apnea can lead to some serious health concerns.
- Depression
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Motor Vehicle/Work Accidents
- Weight Gain
- Type II Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
Treatment
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is approved by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) as a first line of treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliances are a non-invasive treatment and can be designed to fit your mouth and serve to expand and stiffen the airway while also pulling the tongue forward. We make models of your teeth and design a custom made oral appliance that fits comfortably, is quiet, convenient and easy to take care of. Mild to moderate OSA can be eliminated with oral appliances, while severe OSA can be greatly improved.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a successful treatment option for severe OSA, which entails wearing a face or nasal mask when you sleep. The mask pumps air into the nasal passage to keep it open.
Whether or not you have been diagnosed with OSA, we would be happy to answer any of your questions, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. K.
