A CPAP Machine is a medical device that delivers comtinuous air
pressure through a mack attached to a pump. The unit is usually placed
next to the bed and is plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It
works by providing positive air pressure into the airway to keep it
unobstructed during sleep. It is the "Golden Standard" of treatment and
is 100% affective when adjusted properly. Some side effects of using
the machine may include:
laceration of the bridge of the nose from the mask
bloating of the stomach
nasal irritation and skin rashes
social implications
dry throat and sinus irritations
difficult to travel with
noisy and uncomfortable
anxiety and claustrophobia
not suitable during pregnancy
limited sleep positions
SURGERY...
Several surgical procedures are utilized to address snoring and sleep apnea tohelp unobstruct the airway.These include:
removal of tonsils and adenoids
RF (Radio Frequency) surgery to shrink the obstructive tissues
UPPP (uvulopalaropharyngeoplasty)
LAUP (laser assited uvulopalatoplasty)
tongue reduction
jaw reconstruction
tracheostomy
As with all surgeries, there is a risk of post-surgical complications.
An ENT doctor or an oral surgeon trained in these procedures will
determine if you are a candidate for any of the above to treat OSA.
ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY.. Dental devices are often a
viable alternative to CPAP Therapy. A specially designed oral appliance
repositions the lower jaw and tongue during sleep. It enlarges the
airway by moving the tongue and jaw forward, thus creating more space
for the air to flow. Our office has specialized equipment to measure
the airway and predict the success of an oral appliance. The appliance
can be highly effective for those who suffer from snoring and mild to
moderate sleep apnea. Benefits of an oral appliance include:
comfortable and esay to wear
small and convenient for travel
non-invasive
high compliance rate
quite,accepted by bed partner
LIFE STYLE CHANGES... There are a few general measures that can be taken to help those suffering with snoring and OSA,they include:
diet if you are overweight
exercise regularly
avoid alcohol before going to sleep
sleep on your side
SLEEP DISORDERS DENTISTRY... Do you snore?
Do you wake up tired in the morning?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Do you fall asleep during the day easily?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions you could suffer from Sleep Disorder Breathing(SDB).
SDB affects one third of the US population. It refers to a condition
where apneas (sesation of breathing for 10 seconds or more) and
hypopneas (drop in oxygen saturation in the blood) are present during
sleep. The most common form of SDB is OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) but
SDB refers to a wide spectrum of sleep-related breathing abnormalities
related to increased upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), including
snoring.
Sleep Disorders Dentistry is the dental treatment of OSA with oral
appliance therapy. During sleep, the muscles in the throat surrounding
the airway, along with the tongue, relax and sometimes totally block
the airway. The dental device repositions the jaw and tongue so that
this blockage cannot occur. The device is safe, well tolerated, and
effective for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
CALL OUR OFFICE 1-630-232-6334 FOR A SLEEP SCREENING
Before any therapy is performed in our office, a diagnosis
of snoring or OSA is required. An oral appliance is then made to fit
comfortably and provide the maximum amount of airflow through yoour
airway. A follow-up sleep test will be performed to screen for
treatment efficacy. Successful treatment of snoring and sleep apnea
should help you gain a fuller, more refreshed nights sleep. A better
nights rest will leave you with a higher energy level, greater alertness, and a new outlook on life!