Sleep Apnea
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. The airway repeatedly becomes blocked, limiting the amount of air that reaches your lungs. When this happens, you may snore loudly or make choking noises as you try to breathe. Your brain and body becomes oxygen deprived which may stir you awake. This may happen a few times a night, or in more severe cases, several hundred times a night. Common signs and symptoms include snoring, daytime sleeping, attention problems, dry mouth, plus many others.
Risk factors for Sleep Apnea?
- Large tonsils, large tongue or narrow jaw
- Obesity
- Male
- GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder)
- Neck size over 17 inches for men and over 16 inches for women
- Middle age (Over 40)
- Nasal Obstruction
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Family history of sleep apnea
Treatment Options
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the gold standard for treatment
- Oral Appliance Therapy
- Surgery
- Behavioral and diet modifications
- Implantable stimulation devices
- Combination of these
If left untreated Sleep Apnea, may increase your risk for:
- Asthma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart and blood vessel diseases
- Neurocognitive impairment
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cancers
- Eye disorders
- Pregnancy complications
Our doctors work with a team of sleep medicine specialists, which include Ear, Nose and Throat specialists and oral surgeons, to individualize your treatment. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, feel free to complete this quick questionnaire to assess your risk: Sleep Apnea Risk Questionnaire (STOP-BANG).
Speak to one of our prosthodontists to learn more!