Sleep Apnea
|
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by a reduction or cessation (pause of breathing, airflow) during sleep. It is common among adults but rare among children. There are two types of sleep apnea, the more common obstructive sleep apnea and the less common central sleep apnea. Although a diagnosis of sleep apnea often will be suspected on the basis of a person's history, there are several tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment of sleep apnea may be either surgical or nonsurgical.
Since OSA is a serious medical condition, it must be diagnosed by a physician. Diagnosis is based on the results of an overnight sleep study, called a Polysomnogram (PSG). Other factors of determining OSA are patient evaluation and history.
Obstructive sleep apnea has many well-studied consequences. First, as you would expect, it disrupts sleep. Patients with disrupted sleep cannot concentrate, think, or remember as well during the day. This has been shown to cause more accidents in the work place and while driving. Thus, people with obstructive sleep apnea have a three-fold greater risk of a car accident than the general population (there aren’t many diseases that can kill the patient AND the people in the car next to him or her!). |
Sleep apnea causes high blood pressure and heart problems. The non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea are similar to the non-surgical treatments for snoring with a few differences. Treatments include:
- behavioral changes,
- dental appliances,
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), and
- medications.
Oral appliances are worn in the mouth to treat snoring and OSA. These devices are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards. Oral Appliance Therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a custom designed oral appliance that is worn during sleep. This appliance then attempts to maintain an opened, unobstructed airway in the throat. There are many different oral appliances available. Approximately 40 appliances have been approved through the FDA for treatment of snoring and/or Sleep Apnea. Oral appliances may be used alone or in combination with other means of treating OSA. These means include general health, weight management, surgery, or CPAP. Oral appliances work in several ways:
- Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula
- Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
- Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue
Doctor Soutas has the training in Oral Appliance Therapy and is familiar with the various designs of appliances. He can determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. Dr. Soutas will work with your physician as part of the medical team in your diagnosis, treatment, and on-going care. Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of your dentist and physician. Initiation of oral appliance therapy can take from several weeks to several months to complete. Dr. Soutas will continue to monitor your treatment and evaluate the response of your teeth and jaws.
If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea or feel you might have it and would like more information please call our office today. Here at a place to smile we strive to help you maintain not only a healthy smile but a healthy life as well.
|
