Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common problem which affects millions and is potentially life threatening!  In addition to non-refreshing sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing throughout the night, also presents danger in the form of oxygen deprivation. When you stop breathing, your brain does not get enough oxygen. Drastic problems can result from the oxygen deprivation of sleep apnea, including heart disease, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and learning/memory problems. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea are not even aware that they have a problem. Most often it is a bed partner who is the first to be aware.  It is an extremely under-diagnosed condition.

​

Treatment Options for Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Treatment options include Oral Appliance Therapy, a CPAP medical unit that sits beside you during sleep, delivering continuous positive air pressure through a facemask, or surgery as a last resort. The CPAP machine is the gold standard for treatment, however many patients find it difficult to tolerate and it is not very portable.  Oral Appliance Therapy is a device specially designed to reposition the jaw and tongue forward during sleep, thus expanding the airway for easier flow.  Many people find it easier to use and often prefer it to CPAP machines,

​

Early Detection & Diagnosis

Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine and physicians trained in traditional sleep medicine may collaborate in treating patients through accurate diagnosis recording a variety of body functions during sleep. Conducted in a hospital or clinic, a Polysomnograph senses and measures twelve or more parameters including video monitoring. Reimbursement with co-pay through most medical insurance companies is available.