Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form of sleep apnea. It is usually caused by a blockage of the airway when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea
This is a less common type of sleep apnea that involves the central nervous system. In this instance, the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea
This is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
It can be difficult to properly diagnose sleep apnea, since the most prominent symptoms occur when you are sleeping. But you can find out by asking a bed partner to observe your sleep habits, or by recording yourself during sleep.
Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
An estimated 1 in 5 adults suffer from mild to moderate OSA and 1 in 15 from moderate to severe OSA*. Up to 80% of these cases are never diagnosed. Awareness of OSA and access to treatment is a widespread health problem, one with potentially life threatening consequences for millions of people. For these reasons it is crucial that anyone experiencing the following symptoms be screened and tested for sleep apnea. Early intervention can prevent progression of the disease and improve overall health, while reducing other problems.
If you think you may have sleep apnea or are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, please schedule an appointment or contact us today.
Oral appliances can be classified by mode of action or design variation. Nearly all oral appliances fit into one of two categories:
It will take several nights of wearing the device before you grow accustomed to it. Over time, most patients tolerate their devices quite well and experience significant improvements in snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
If you are interested in Oral Appliance Therapy, please schedule an appointment or contact us today.
Easing the effects of sleep apnea first begins with pursuing an accurate diagnosis. Sleep apnea requires a professional sleep study for diagnoses. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients can then pursue different treatment options by consulting with medical professionals.
Many patients seek treatment from oral health professionals. Kessler Dental Associates provides treatment for sleep apnea and obstructive snoring with oral appliances. Oral appliances are custom made, mouthguard-like components that slightly hold the lower mandible (jaw) forward to increase the diameter of a patient’s airway. Since malocclusions contribute to airway obstruction, treatments like restorations and orthodontic care can also improve airway health. Lifestyle and dietary changes can improve a patient’s symptoms as well – especially if one is overweight, smokes, or drinks.
When developing a person’s treatment plan for sleep apnea, our team takes an array of factors into consideration to promote effective and comfortable relief.
Sleep apnea is directly caused by tissue surrounding the soft palate collapsing into the back of the mouth, blocking the airway. A number of underlying issues can contribute to sleep apnea. Beyond lifestyle habits like smoking and excess weight, issues with jaw alignment and the development of bulky throat tissue contribute to sleep apnea, too.
Our team at Kessler Dental Associates provides oral appliance therapy for the treatment of sleep apnea. In addition to oral appliances, we might recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to improve airway health as well.
Oral appliance therapy has become a popular treatment method for sleep apnea because it is effective, comfortable, and convenient. Oral appliances for managing sleep apnea are worn similarly to mouth guards. They are custom made so that they fit comfortably.
These oral appliances decrease airway restriction by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward, which widens the airway. Many patients prefer oral appliances to other treatment options because they are discreet, comfortable, and portable.
While oral appliance therapy is well-received by sleep health professionals and patients alike, there are instances where other treatment protocols like corrective surgery and CPAP therapy could be more effective. Our team develops custom treatment plans based on the unique needs of the individual.
Researchers have studied the effects of untreated sleep apnea on health. Various studies have pointed to an increased risk for cardiovascular and pulmonary health problems among people with untreated sleep apnea. It appears that the erratic breathing present during sleep apnea could weaken the heart. Oxygen levels can also be affected by erratic breathing.
Sleep deprivation is another way that untreated sleep apnea could negatively affect a person’s health. Episodes of apnea disrupt a sleeper from progressing through stages of sleep without interruption. This affects one’s ability to achieve healthy, genuine rest. Sleep deprivation affects many aspects of health, including immunity, cellular regeneration, and cognitive abilities.