Sleep Apnea

In September 1995 the American Sleep Disorder Association (ASDA) endorsed oral appliance therapy as the third currently acceptable treatment modality for snoring and sleep apnea. The two most common solutions include continuous positive air pressure or the removal of either the excess palatal tissue or the uvula. 

It has been estimated that 60% of men and 40% of women between the ages of 40 and 60 years of age snore. Snoring occurs when there is a partial obstruction of the airway which causes the palatal tissues to vibrate. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is completely blocked for certain periods of time. As many as 20 million people in North America may have sleep apnea. Snoring is a social problem, particularly for the spouse, but obstructive sleep apnea poses a significant health risk for the patient in that it can lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

What is Sleep Apnea?

We deliver a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for our patients, including a special interest in treating sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder that is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. Along with the generally decreased quality of life, people who suffer from sleep apnea also experience an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and depression. 

  • You may suffer from sleep apnea if you experience:
  • Loud or chronic snoring
  • Long pauses in breathing during the night
  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
  • Excessive daytime tiredness and irritability

Our dentists understand the stresses and health risks that come with sleepless nights. We combine years of experience with the latest treatment techniques to help you reduce and even eliminate your sleep problems altogether! For more information on sleep apnea services, visit our Sleep Apnea Center’s Website.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a type of breathing disorder that is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. There are basically three types of apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The lungs and the diaphragm are functioning normally, but no oxygen is entering the system because there is an obstruction in the upper airway.

Central Apnea

The upper airway is open, but no oxygen is getting into the system. This occurs because the patient is not getting a chemical response from the brain to stimulate the lungs and the diaphragm to assist with breathing. This becomes more prevalent at higher altitudes, like here in Denver.

Mixed Apnea

This is a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are only indicated for use in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The signs and symptoms of OSA include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, gasping or choking during the night, non-refreshed sleep, fragmented sleep, clouded memory, irritability, personality changes, decreased sex drive, impotence, and morning headaches.

Factors that affect obstructive sleep apnea are as follows:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol
  • Sedative Hypnotics (sleeping pills)

Children can also snore and suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Often they are highly allergic and their airway is blocked due to enlarged adenoids, tonsils, or swollen nasal mucosa. Clinical signs would indicate a turned-up nose, allergic shiners under the eyes, mucous draining out of the nose, mouth breathing, and a nasal sound to the voice. Other signs are bed wetting, irritability, difficulty concentrating at school, and hyperactivity.

At the present time, obstructive sleep apnea is defined as a medical problem and the diagnosis must be made by a medical doctor or sleep physician (pulmonologist) who is specially trained in the area of sleep medicine.

The dental profession has an important role to play in the treatment of patients with snoring and sleep apnea. If 60% of men and 40% of women between forty and sixty years of age snore, this is a huge problem. Snoring is a serious social problem for the spouse, but obstructive sleep apnea can be a life-threatening situation for the patient in that it can lead to irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and strokes.

At the present time, obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that is being controlled and treated mainly by the medical profession. Despite the fact that in September 1995, the American Sleep Disorder Association finally endorsed oral appliance therapy as the third currently acceptable treatment method for snoring and sleep apnea, the vast majority of medical doctors are not aware of the value of oral appliances.

As time goes on, the public is going to become more aware of the health risks associated with snoring and sleep apnea. It is the dental professionals’ responsibility to educate their members, the public, and the medical profession about the important role that dentists and oral appliances play in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have any questions or require immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you improve your sleep and overall well-being.

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