Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Unlike simple snoring, obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed OSA include heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease and decreased libido. In addition, OSA causes daytime drowsiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

 
Normal Jaw Position, open airway    Relaxed Jaw - Blocked Airway  Open Airway with Oral Appliance

The cessation of breathing, or "apnea,"  cycle repeats itself many times during the night, may last for as long as 60 to 90 seconds and may recur up to 500 times a night.  Just imaging what happens with the lack of oxygen in your brain and the consequences in blood pressure and heart conditions.

Treatments:

-CPAP and BIPAP are the most recognized treatment, patients may feel claustrophobic and some may find the equipment and sound to be aggravating. Compliance is often a struggle, 30 to 50% of patients are in not compliance to CPAP.

-Surgery: Sometimes is the only option. it's an invasive surgery and statistics show that the success rate is only 25 to 50%.

-Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT): Many ENT specialists recommend to use it before surgery.  As of February 1, 2006, the Academy of Sleep Medicine has designated “…sleep oral appliances as the NUMBER ONE treatment avenue for mild and moderate sleep apnea and snoring.” and number two treatment avenue for severe OSA when the patient is intolerant to CPAP or needs to be used in conjunction with CPAP. Most medical insurance companies and medicare pay for oral appliance therapy. A dentist trained in sleep apnea can help.

We placed the first oral appliance for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea in August 1998 and have helped many patients to enjoy a much healthier life ever since.

More Information: The links below will open a new window:

Identifing and Treating OSA
Are you at risk of OSA?  See all the symptoms related to OSA
Peacfull Sleep without CPAP visit our new website

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