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Sleep Apnea Treatment - TMJ Diagnostics :: Jeffery S. McCarty, D.D.S. Willow Park, Texas
Snoring & Sleep Apnea
WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by temporary breathing interruptions during sleep. The pauses in breathing can occur dozens or even hundreds of times. Snoring is a
warning sign that normal breathing is not happening.
One out of every two Americans snore and it can become
more serious as progression leads to obstructive sleep
apnea – (a frequent cessation of breathing during
sleep).
When a person stops breathing
for at least 10 seconds up to 30 times or more a night,
the snoring has become sleep apnea. Sometimes this
condition can be life threatening, so it is important
that you be screened by a trained sleep dentist.
Dr.
McCarty may also suggest you have a sleep study done –
known as a polysomnogram which evaluates the airway and
breathing patterns. This test guides the dentist in his
approach to conservative treatment.
CAUSES:
Some of the conditions that can lead to snoring or Sleep Apnea include:
Overweight
A small retruded jaw
Sedatives
Allergies
Alcohol before retiring
Airway obstruction
Sleep posture
DIAGNOSTICS
Patients are
examined for snoring/sleep problems and a thorough
history is taken as well as a sleep questionnaire. They
are also checked for other common symptoms of sleep
apnea like morning headaches, dry mouth and throat,
excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden short-of-breath
awakenings, choking or gasping and any lost interest in
sex. Testing may include:
Intra-oral habit assessment
Evaluating periodontal health
X-rays and diagnostic models
Occlusal exam
Checking gag reflex
Tonsil exam
Orthopedic exam
TREATMENT
Once a sleep study confirms that sleep apnea is
present, then, with a high degree of accuracy, the
proper treatment procedures can be found.
where there is no air flow
(during an apnea)
For simple non-threatening
snoring, our office uses an anti-snoring, intra-oral device
to control the problem. If, however, it is
determined that the patient is suffering from a mild
to moderate condition of obstructive sleep apnea,
further analysis of the airway is needed. This
treatment employs a highly specific type of
intra-oral appliance. These appliances have been
proven to be effective in controlling this
problem.
Where air flows normally
(unobstructed breathing)
The oral appliance
approach is a conservative treatment to traditional
treatment of CPAP (continuous positive airway
pressure with the use of an air compressor and mask)
and surgery. Appliances are light and easy to
wear. Its purpose is to move the lower jaw forward,
causing a positive change in tongue position that
opens the airway. Worn during sleep, it helps
prevent the airway from collapsing by creating extra
airway space.
We are able to conservatively and
successfully treat those suffering with snoring or
mild to moderate sleep apnea. When poor sleep
interferes with your daily activities of reading,
watching television, driving or operating equipment,
discuss it with Dr. McCarty.
