Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea often snores and stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Often the first signs of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) are recognized not by the patient, but by the bed partner. Many of those affected have no sleep complaints. The most common signs and symptoms of OSA include:

• Snoring
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Restlessness during sleep, frequent nighttime awakenings
• Sudden awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking
• Periods of not breathing while sleeping
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
• Cognitive impairment, such as trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or irritability
• Mood disturbances (depression or anxiety)
• Night sweats
• Sexual dysfunction
• Headaches
• Gastric reflux and/or heartburn

Oral Appliances for patients with snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer oral appliances to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). Oral Appliance are also indicated for severe patients, who have difficulty tolerating, are non-compliant with or refuse CPAP. Oral appliances are comfortable, easy to wear and most people find that it only takes a couple of weeks to become acclimated to wearing the appliance. Most insurance companies cover Oral Appliance therapy.

In severe cases surgical procedures for mandibular advancement is recommended. 

• Genioglossus advancement
• Uvulectomy
• Maxillo-mandibular advancement
• Septoplasty/ Turbinoplasty