An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder caused by an obstructed airway due to the tongue and soft tissues falling into the back of the throat during sleep. This results in short episodes when breathing is stopped. Obstructive sleep apnea leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and has been associated with an increased risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, and death.
Although Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment available for obstructive sleep apnea, new guidelines recommend using oral appliances to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea in people who don’t respond to CPAP or have difficulty sticking with the treatment.
CPAP involves wearing a mask attached to a machine that delivers air with increased pressure while you sleep. But researchers say many people find this treatment uncomfortable or intolerable, and an oral device may be an attractive treatment option.
“OSA is a serious, life-threatening condition — but for many patients, alleviating its effects can be as easy as utilizing an oral appliance at night,” says Kent Moore, MD, DDS, president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, in a news release. Oral appliances may control mild to moderate OSA with minimal discomfort or disruption.
Highlights:
- Sleep apnea refers to a temporary cessation of breathing while sleeping.
- Many times the airway is obstructed by the patient’s anatomy, and the placement of a specially designed night guard that repositions the lower jaw can improve the airflow.
- For those patients that suffer from dental anxiety, we offer Conscious Sedation to help you feel more relaxed during treatment.