Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Are you tired, stressed out, constantly yawning throughout the day? Do you have trouble concentrating, in a mental fog? Have you been told you snore loudly during the night? If these symptoms describe you or someone you know, there may be a reason for feeling this way. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which breathing stops for periods of 10 seconds or longer, interrupting the important deep sleep cycle that makes people feel rested. Thanks to an innovative oral appliance, our doctors at Somerset Dental Arts can help someone like you be successfully treated for OSA. The non-surgical dental appliance that we use to treat our patients has proven extremely effective for sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea? When a sleeping person stops breathing for 10 or more seconds, they have "apnea." Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is one type of sleep apnea. Lack of adequate breath during sleep reduces airflow, causing the brain to tell the body to wake up and breathe. In some cases, sleep apnea patients only move into a lighter stage of sleep, while other times, patients wake completely.

What's the Problem? Many factors may contribute to airway blockage, from the size of passages and oral or airway structures, to swelling of passageways or position of the tongue. Disrupted deep sleep can affect mood, health, and cause daytime sleepiness. The added stress and fatigue can cause lack of concentration, loss of memory, and accidents in the workplace or while driving. Other health risks include high blood pressure and heart problems, strokes, and even a risk of premature death. The sleep apnea patient's snores can disturb a sleeping partner's rest, too.

Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Therapies A few tests can determine whether you suffer from OSA. Our office can help you determine this fact by providing you with an order for a home sleep study. Some patients have tried the nasal mask (CPAP) which delivers air to keep nasal passages open during sleep; however they rejected this appliance therapy being too difficult to wear at night. Here at Somerset Dental Arts, we have great success helping patients with a very effective, oral dental appliance therapy. The appliance repositions the tongue or mandible (lower jawbone) forward opening the upper airway, preventing obstruction while you sleep. Patients have found the appliance comfortable and easy to wear allowing them to keep the appliance in place throughout the night.

According to experts, sleep apnea is an under-diagnosed condition, and more men than women suffer; a sleep apnea device may improve your quality of life. It's just another way we can help you lead a healthier, better quality of life.