Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by breathing that stops and starts repeatedly during sleep hours. People who snore loudly and frequently feel tired even after a full night’s sleep often have some form of sleep apnea.
There are three main types of sleep apnea. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During sleep, the throat muscles of OSA patients relax and fall back, blocking or restricting airflow to the lungs.
When the brain doesn’t signal the correct signals to the muscles during sleep to control breathing, individuals suffer from central sleep apnea (CSA). In rare cases, a patient being treated for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may develop CSA. In these instances, the result is known as either complex sleep apnea or treatment-emergent CSA.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It can be treated in a variety of ways. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have OSA:
• Excessively loud snoring
• Abrupt wakings during the night with a choking or gasping sound
• Restless sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Falling asleep during the day
Certain factors increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, including obesity, being male, older age, a family history of sleep apnea, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and certain anatomical factors.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) has many of the same symptoms as OSA but may also cause difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually depends on a sleep study (polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing) to monitor physiological changes in your body and breathing during sleep. The test is generally performed by a pulmonologist (a medical doctor specializing in the respiratory system). If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. They will refer you to a pulmonologist or sleep specialist for a sleep study. The results will be interpreted and sent to your doctor.
Health Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you are diagnosed with OSA, you should not ignore your symptoms or the diagnosis. The health implications can be severe. Over time, sleep apnea can contribute to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and an increased risk of stroke. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue also contribute to impaired work performance, increased risk of accidents, and poor quality of life.
Dental Medicine’s Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are several ways to treat OSA. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is the most common treatment option. This oxygen-generating unit uses a hose and mask strapped to the face to deliver pressurized air to open the airway. Some patients cannot tolerate wearing the mask or the air pressure. It also requires sleeping on your back for maximum effectiveness. The machine, hose, and mouthpiece must be cleaned weekly and filled with distilled water.
For patients looking for an alternative to the cumbersome CPAP machine, our dental office can create a custom oral appliance that works by positioning the lower jaw forward. This helps keep the airway open so the individual can breathe freely throughout the night. An oral appliance is most effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Our dentists collaborate with your sleep specialist and primary care doctor to provide optimal care and support to our patients using oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Each appliance is designed and fabricated for a personalized fit, effectiveness, comfort, and safety. We recommend regular visits to ensure your mouthguard continues to fit correctly and provide relief from sleep apnea.
Advantages of a Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance
• It is smaller and less invasive than a CPAP machine.
• The mouthguard is more comfortable and less claustrophobic than the CPAP mask.
• Portable, with no outside apparatus.
• Silent, unlike the constant sound of the air pressure of a CPAP.
• Maintenance and care are easier with a sleep apnea mouthguard.
If you have been diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea or suspect you may have OSA, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using an oral appliance to correct the problem without using a CPAP machine. We can help you get the first good night’s sleep you’ve had in years. Contact our office at Greater Boston Dental office Phone Number 617-924-7301 to schedule a consultation.
