Sleep Apnea...

During sleep, many people suffer from problem breathing ranging from mild snoring to a dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea.


Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction to the free flow of air through the mouth and nose. Snoring can get worse when the muscles in the back of the throat are too relaxed either from drugs that induce sleep or alcohol consumption. Snoring can also be caused by a large uvula and soft palate, obesity, pregnancy, nasal congestion, a deviated septum or other obstructions in the nasal and pharyngeal airways. In children, large tonsils and adenoids can be the cause of snoring.


Treating these conditions could help you sleep better at night and help your mental and physical health.

 

Obstructive sleep apnea causes sufferers to stop breathing periodically during sleep. The soft tissues collapse against the back of the throat, cutting off the airway for 10 seconds or more. Lack of oxygen forces you to partially awaken, often with a loud gasp in order to open the airway. The cycle repeats many times every night, sometimes up to 40 times an hour.

 

 

 

THE SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring, gasping for air or jerking during sleep

  • Headaches and sore throat

  • Confusion upon wakening, difficulty concentrating, irritabilit or depression

  • Excessive sleepiness during the day

  • Cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and congestive heart failure.

 

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Several simple actions may help you stop snoring, including losing weight, avoiding alcohol,

sleeping on your side and using a humidifier.

 

If we suspect that you suffer from sleep apnea, we recommend that you see your physician as soon as possible for a complete diagnosis.


One of the most common treatments for snoring and sleep apnea is a customized oral appliance. An appliance pulls the lower jaw forward and keeps the airway clear. To make a custom oral appliance, we take impressions and bite registrations of your teeth. From these records, precise working models of your teeth are made, and the models are used to create an appliance specific to your needs. When the appliance is ready, we check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.


For the first few nights, you place the appliance into your mouth about 15 minutes before sleep to help your mouth get used to it. Some initial soreness is normal, but let us know if the appliance is otherwise uncomfortable, so we can adjust the fit.

 

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