Sleep apnea is a serious illness most often characterized by snoring, gasping for breath and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is implicated in many disorders including high blood pressure, changes in insulin resistance and a six fold increase in heart attacks and strokes. CPAP is the Gold Standard of treatment for sleep apnea and is very effective. Patients with moderate apnea who have untreated sleep apnea have a 36% decrease in 8 year survival compared to treated patients according to studies in the journal SLEEP.
The problem, according to Dr. Myles Preble is that only "23-45% of patients prescribed CPAP actually use it regularly while the majority of obstructive sleep apnea patients do not" and this places these patients at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that patients with untreated sleep apnea are at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes when sleeping than when exercising. Dr. Preble is concerned that when combined with the stresses of the current economy these patients are at great risk. He urges all patients who are not using their CPAP on a regular basis to pull their machines out of their closet and clean them thoroughly then begin using them immediately. This is especially true of patients with high blood pressure or other cardiac risks according to Dr. Preble.
Medical studies have shown that even patients who use their CPAP average only 4-5 hours a night not the recommended 7 1/2 - 8 hours. Recent studies have shown that patients who tolerate CPAP well from the beginning of treatment tend to continue treatment and patients who HATE CPAP or do not tolerate it at the start of treatment rarely embrace CPAP use. http://www.ihatecpap.com offers information on alternatives to CPAP.
Dr. Preble believes that Dental Sleep Medicine has the answers for patients who do not tolerate CPAP. Dr. Preble is highly trained in all aspects of Neuromuscular, Cosmetic and Dental Sleep Medicine. He has helped hundreds of patients regain their health and confidence that go along with a healthy smile and a full night's sleep.
Dr. Preble is known and respected by his colleagues around the world. In 1998 he began attending and continues to attend courses at what many refer to as the premier training center for neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry, the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (L.V.I.). He is currently a member of the North American Neuromuscular Study Club, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, the International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
He believes multidisciplinary treatment with referrals to other health practitioners is in the best interest of patients. The entire staff is committed to professional excellence in a friendly atmosphere. Information about Dr Preble's treatment of Sleep Apnea with a comfortable oral appliance as a CPAP Alternative can be found at http://www.saltlakecity.ihatecpap.com
If you are CPAP Intolerant or just want a comfortable alternative to CPAP call Dr. Preble and find out if you can improve your life thru better sleep. Call today at 801-278-4787.
