Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy
Las Vegas & Henderson NV
Sleep Apnea is a common but potentially serious condition in which breathing stops and starts up again for periods of 10-20 seconds while you sleep (this can go on 100’s times each night).
Even though sleep apnea is very treatable, it very often goes undiagnosed by medical doctors.
Sleep Apnea affects approximately 18 million people in the United States alone and not even 10% ever get diagnosed properly. It is believed if sleep apnea is left untreated, it can take about 8-10 years off a person’s life span.
A simple sleep apnea dental appliance can add years back to you life. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance
An official sleep apnea diagnosis is needed and must come from a medical doctor with the possibility of a visit to a sleep center.
A dentist can fabricate a sleep apnea dental appliance which are used to reposition the tongue and lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain the open airway. Usually a sleep apnea dental appliance is recommended for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea patients.
A sleep apnea dental appliance can also be utilized in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients who cannot tolerate the use of a CPAP machines.
Sleep Apnea can be treated with an oral appliance!
The standard medical treatment right now is use of a CPAP (called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Approximately 25%-50% of sleep apnea patients do not regularly use or tolerate CPAP machines.
Some recent clinical studies have shown the use of a sleep apnea dental appliance to be the most effective in treating snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Related Complications
-Cardiac Issues / High Blood Pressure. Sleep apnea patients will experience a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels when sleeping. This sudden drop can place a strain on the entire cardiovascular system. The incidence of high blood pressure is much higher in those with sleep apnea over those who do not.
–Focus Issues / Fatigue. People with sleep apnea often experience daytime fatigue, irritability, and depression.
-Eye Issues. Research has shown that sleep apnea can cause optic nerve swelling and glaucoma.
-Possible Surgical Complications. Research has shown that people with sleep apnea may be more likely to experience complications following major surgery.
–Sexual Dysfunction. Studies have shown that men suffering from sleep apnea have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction.
–Liver Issues. Research has also shown that people suffering from sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal results on liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring.
Other complications can include diabetes, obesity, headaches, and high risk pregnancies.
Can A Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance Help You?
The best course of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea depends on many factors.
These factors include the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea, the physical anatomical structure of your upper airway, other medical issues you may have, as well as a patient’s personal preferences.
Choosing the right sleep apnea dental appliance is a very personalized decision. Speak to your dentist about which sleep apnea dental appliance is right for you.
There are proven scientific links between a lack of a good night’s sleep and a host of problematic symptoms including depression, memory loss, hypertension and weight gain.
With the help of your dentist and a sleep apnea dental appliance, you can improve your sleep and your overall health!