Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Many people today suffer from snoring, and even worse, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although snoring can be annoying to those near the sleeping person who snores, OSA is a much more serious concern.

OSA is a complete or partial stoppage of air flow for 10 seconds or longer during sleep due to an obstructed airway. The body recognizes the obstruction and struggles to restart breathing, often resulting in a loud gasp, snort or jerk of the body, disrupting sleep. It has been reported by the Academy of General Dentistry, that this sleep related breathing disorder affects 20% of more of the population and many of those with the condition do not know they have it. If the condition continues to go undetected and untreated, consequences can be very serious, including:

• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Increased risk for type 2 Diabetes
• Memory loss, inability to concentrate and problem-solve
• Depression, mood changes
• Hyperactivity in children
• And in some cases premature death, such as that of former Philadelphia Eagles player, Reggie White.

Determining if you are a candidate for a sleep study

Doylestown Dental Solutions is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, which recognizes dentists for their treatments of those suffering from sleeping disorders. During an oral examination we might see signs of possible airway obstruction and recommend a sleep study by a physician board certified in sleep medicine. At the current time, the gold standard treatment for OSA is the wearing of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device while sleeping. This device involves the wearing of a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth during sleep and directs a flow of pressurized air through the nasal passages and upper airway and into the lungs, maintaining normal breathing during sleep.

Oral appliance therapy may help some who are non-compliant with CPAP therapy

Some individuals are unable to maintain compliance to the CPAP and may opt for Oral Appliance therapy.  As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, we can fit non-compliant CPAP patients with an oral appliance that may offer some success. Patients having the most success with dental appliances for OSA are those with lower body mass index (BMI), mild to moderate OSA and a high mandibular range of motion.

We are pleased to offer Somnomed oral appliances in our practice for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Many people today suffer from snoring, and even worse, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although snoring can be annoying to those near the sleeping person who snores, OSA is a much more serious concern.

OSA is a complete or partial stoppage of air flow for 10 seconds or longer during sleep due to an obstructed airway. The body recognizes the obstruction and struggles to restart breathing, often resulting in a loud gasp, snort or jerk of the body, disrupting sleep. It has been reported by the Academy of General Dentistry, that this sleep related breathing disorder affects 20% of more of the population and many of those with the condition do not know they have it. If the condition continues to go undetected and untreated, consequences can be very serious, including:

• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Increased risk for type 2 Diabetes
• Memory loss, inability to concentrate and problem-solve
• Depression, mood changes
• Hyperactivity in children
• And in some cases premature death, such as that of former Philadelphia Eagles player, Reggie White.

Determining if you are a candidate for a sleep study

Doylestown Dental Solutions is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, which recognizes dentists for their treatments of those suffering from sleeping disorders. During an oral examination we might see signs of possible airway obstruction and recommend a sleep study by a physician board certified in sleep medicine. At the current time, the gold standard treatment for OSA is the wearing of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device while sleeping. This device involves the wearing of a mask that covers the nose and/or mouth during sleep and directs a flow of pressurized air through the nasal passages and upper airway and into the lungs, maintaining normal breathing during sleep.

Oral appliance therapy may help some who are non-compliant with CPAP therapy

Some individuals are unable to maintain compliance to the CPAP and may opt for Oral Appliance therapy.  As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, we can fit non-compliant CPAP patients with an oral appliance that may offer some success. Patients having the most success with dental appliances for OSA are those with lower body mass index (BMI), mild to moderate OSA and a high mandibular range of motion.

We are pleased to offer Somnomed oral appliances in our practice for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.