Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be much more serious than it seems!

More than just "so much noise" it may actually be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA happens when the tongue, jaw or even simply the weight of the neck causes the airway to be closed off. This results in the patient stopping breathing periodically through the night and can have severe impact on overall health over time. Both Snoring and Sleep Apnea are often successfully treated with custom dental appliances or CPAP, however, the involvement of a sleep specialist is required to ensure an accurate diagnosis if OSA is suspected.

Severe sleep apnea may also require the help of a sleep specialist. We will walk you through a thorough consultation process to help you decide on the very best option for your unique situation.

Potential health effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Drowsy Driving
• High Blood Pressure
• Increased Stroke Risk
• Weight Gain

People who are at a high risk for OSA may also have the following:

• Obesity BMO>35
• Type 2 diabetes
• History of stroke
• High blood pressure - more than 2 meds
• Pulmonary hypertension

Symptoms:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Loud breathing during sleep
• Dry mouth or throat
• Headache
• Irritability

Please let us know if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms we can help you initiate the process with a simple evaluation and discussion of your concerns. If we believe that sleep apnea is a likely diagnosis we will help you meet a qualified sleep specialist for a thorough evaluation of your airway and sleep patterns and presentation of your options.

How can sleep apnea be treated?

A custom-fit oral appliance is a popular and effective way to treat sleep apnea. Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance supports your jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open airway. It is comfortable and easy to wear as well as quite and convenient for travel.

Additional treatments for sleep apnea include a CPAP mask and, in some severe cases, surgery. We will walk you through the consultation process and help you decide what is best for your unique situation.

Sleep Apnea Questionnaire:

1. Do you snore loudly?
2. Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy?
3. Have you been told you stop breathing or gasp during sleep?
4. Do you have high blood pressure?
5. Is your neck size greater than 17" (male) and 16" (female)?

If you answered YES to 2 or more questions, please give us a call!