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Obstructive Sleep Apnes

In severe cases, snoring may also be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. When muscles relax too much, throat tissues obstruct the airway and prevent breathing.

The Mayo Clinic explains: “Sleep apnea is often characterized by loud snoring followed by periods of silence that can last 10 seconds or more. Sometimes, complete obstruction does not occur, but rather, while still snoring, the airway becomes so small that the airflow is inadequate for your needs. Eventually, the lack of oxygen and an increase in carbon dioxide signal you to wake up, forcing your airway open with a loud snort or gasping sound. This pattern may be repeated many times during the night.”

Sleep Apnea affects more than ten million people (according to the National Institutes of Health), disrupting sleep and causing headaches and lack of concentration. Untreated, sleep apnea can also cause long-term consequences from repeated oxygen deprivation including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, memory problems, and weight gain. As a result of daytime sleepiness they as well place their co-workers and family at risk. Sleep apnea is common, dangerous, easily recognized, and treatable.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Practice Parameters

Severity of apnea is defined by the length of time of apnea events and the percentage of oxygen desaturation (lowered amount of oxygen in the blood).

Events per hour Categorization
Less than 5                                Non-Medical
5- 15                                                Mild
15-30                                           Moderate
Over 30                                         Severe

Risk Factors

  • Obesity
  • Increasing age
  • Male gender
  • Anatomic abnormalities of upper airway
  • Family history
  • Alcohol or sedative use
  • Smoking

Treatment

Treatment for sleep apnea can range from an airway apparatus to lifestyle changes or sleeping alterations. One effective solution includes wearing a special snoring device, or oral appliance, for the mouth and that’s where we can help.

Dr. Mulder can do a thorough examination to determine what causes your breathing blockage and what kind of appliance will help promote the free flow of air and eliminate the obstruction. (He might also recommend consulting a sleep disorder specialist before continuing with treatment if necessary.)

Dr. Mulder will work with you to find the most comfortable and effective treatment for your needs. The SomnoDent MAS , the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP ), and the Adjustable PM Ultra Positioner are custom, adjustable oral appliances—similar to a mouth guard or retainer—that are worn while sleeping. The appliances work by holding the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue and the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. Most allow you to freely open your mouth, speak, and drink while wearing your splint.

All of the oral appliance’s Dr. Mulder works with are patient-friendly and excellent solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. Don’t let snoring disrupt your night’s rest any longer. Contact us to make an appointment.

Oral Sleep Appliances (Mandibul ar Advancement Devices):

EMA Appliance TAP Appliance              SomnoDent Appliance

CPAP Images:

Dentistry’s Role

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a life-threatening medical disorder. Diagnosis must be made by a physician. Dentists are not medically qualified, nor legally permitted to diagnose sleep disorders, however they can play an important role in treatment.

Dr. Mulder can:

  • Provide initial screening and offer a referral.
  • Provide and monitor oral appliance therapy as part of the treatment team with your physician.
  • Monitor and treat potential side effects of oral appliance therapy.
  • Follow up.

Learn more by reading Questions about Sleep Apnea.

Also, if you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine, but have stopped wearing it, we may have a more comfortable solution for you. Contact Us .

Questions or Comments? We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest about our services.