A CPAP isn’t the Only Answer for Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a serious disorder that affects more than 25 million Americans, even children
By: Dental Cosmetics
 
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ANAHEIM, Calif. - Oct. 14, 2015 - PRLog -- People who suffer from Sleep Apnea can wake up five to 100 times per hour lasting for a few seconds to over a minute.

Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep. The chronic condition allows the soft tissue to block the airway. As a result, repeated pauses occur while breathing reducing oxygen levels, causing the sufferer to wake up while sleeping.

People with Sleep Apnea may also experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Witnessed Breathing cessation

Loud disruptive snoring

Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

Insomnia

Waking up unable to catch a breath

Morning headaches

Irritability

Attention problems

Staying alert

Hypersomnia or daytime sleepiness

Memory loss

If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can cause extreme fatigue that could threaten safety in the workplace and behind the wheel. Sleep Apnea can also cause serious health problems that include:

Stroke

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Chronic acid reflux

Type 2 diabetes

Erectile Dysfunction

Liver problems

Daytime fatigue

Metabolic syndrome

Problems with medication and surgery

Death

Because of the seriousness of Sleep Apnea, it must be diagnosed by a physician. A polysomnogram or PSG along with other factors will be used to determine if the patient is suffering from Sleep Apnea during a sleep study.

Sleep Apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes and medical and dental treatments that include a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine, oral appliance therapy, and/or surgery.

A CPAP machine utilizes pressurized air that is generated via a bedside machine. The air from the machine flows through a tube that is connected to a mask that covers the nose of the patient. The force from the pressurized air forces the airway open. Just like a balloon, the CPAP opens the patient’s airway making the passageway wider and more open. Unfortunately most patients diagnosed with Sleep Apnea will stop using the machine as it is difficult to clean, a hassle to plug in, hard to travel with and makes an annoying noise that often keeps partners awake.

With an Oral Appliance, the patients jaw and tongue are repositioned to a more forward position during sleep. This helps the patient’s airway stay open while controlling snoring and other Sleep Apnea symptoms. Oral Appliance Therapy can lead to a better night’s sleep and less fatigue during waking hours.

About Dr. Jack Ringer and Advanced Smile Design

Dr. Jack Ringer practices general, family, and restorative dentistry in Anaheim Hills and is a dental sleep medicine practitioner certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Dr. Ringer is also the co-founder and past president of the Orange County Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry as well as past president and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Ringer is a pioneer of dental technology, and has been featured on several television programs and provides patients with the ultimate experience with proven results.

For more information regarding Sleep Apnea treatment with Oral Appliance Therapy, contact the offices of Jack Ringer from Advanced Smile Design.

Contact
Dr. Jack Ringer
***@dentalcosmetics.com
(714) 974-0313

Photo:
https://www.prlog.org/12502294/1
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