Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing stops for at least 10 seconds due to airway obstruction, causing oxygen deprivation and disrupted rest. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when relaxed throat muscles, excess weight, or jaw structure block the airway. If untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.
Cause:
Contributing factors to OSA include weight, nasal congestion, large tonsils, enlarged tongue, or soft palate abnormality. The tongue plays a major role in obstructive sleep apnea because the tongue has a tendency to relapse into the airway when sleeping causing the airway to become obstructed.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea include and are not limited to :
• Irritability
• Loud snoring
• Constant fatigue or tiredness
• Morning headaches
• Trouble focusing during the day
• Restless or fragmented sleep
• Dozing off easily when reading, sitting or driving
• Dry mouth/sore throat upon awakening
• Observed episodes of gasping for air in the night
Evaluation / Diagnosis :
To determine if you are a sleep appliance candidate, Dr. Maryam’s office performs a CBCT scan, health history review and diagnostic test as well as referring out to a sleep specialist for a medical assessment and a sleep study when indicated.
Treatment :
When oral evaluations reveal an airway restriction due to chronically enlarged tonsils, an enlarged tongue or a soft palate abnormality, an oral appliance can be a successful treatment. With so many advances in the dental field, dentists that are extensively trained in sleep apnea are now able to conservatively and successfully treat those suffering with snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea. Working together with sleep physicians, Dr. Maryam creates a personalized oral appliance that is worn when sleeping to ensure an open airway. Oral Appliance therapy has been recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institutes of Health as an effective alternative to CPAP therapy for mild to moderate apnea. Airway oral appliances can be used either alone or in conjunction with CPAP or surgical methods for severe OSA.