Chagrin Falls dentist, Dentist in Chagrin Falls, OH

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a dangerous and potentially deadly sleep disorder that affects nearly 20 million Americans, with almost the same number of undiagnosed cases. Sleep Apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing (SUFFOCATING) that lasts for at least 10 seconds and occurs at least 5 times an hour. This can only be diagnosed by a physician with the help of a polysomnogram (PSG), or sleep study. I am not allowed to diagnose your OSA, but I can treat it.

Symptoms and dangers of OSA may include: snoring, excessive fatigue and tiredness, falling asleep at inappropriate times, morning headaches and migraines, increased risk of having a car accident, increased risk of high blood pressure, 5-8 times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke, increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, increased weight gain and difficulty losing weight (probably due to a decrease in Human Growth Hormone, HGH, during one of the phases of deeper sleep). It is also linked to short term memory loss, poor job or school performance, mood swings, ADD or ADHD like symptoms, decreased sex drive and impotence. There are many other signs, symptoms, and dangers

For a long time the "Gold Standard" of treatment has been the CPAP or BiPAP machines. However, studies show that only 23-45% of patients continue to use them. Masks, hoses, nosepieces, claustrophobia are just a few of the reported reasons why people do not like the machines. The CPAP machines are also proving difficult to travel with. Many CPAP users cannot stand the machine and stop using it. YOU CANNOT LET THIS CONDITION GO UNTREATED.

Oral appliances are a great way to treat mild or moderate OSA, and can be used to treat severe OSA if a patient cannot, or will not use a CPAP or BiPAP machine. You must have a follow-up sleep study performed to adjust the appliance to find the optimal treatment position of the device. There are many oral devices used to treat OSA, but there are two that tend to be used most frequently. The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP Appliance) and the Somnomed MAS. The TAP appliance(top picture) is a great beginning device because it can be titrated in the sleep lab while you sleep. This makes it very easy for the sleep tech to find your ideal treatment position. The Somnomed MAS appliance(bottom picture) is best used as a second appliance. It must be removed from your mouth to adjust. However, it is smaller, allows full closure of your mouth, and you can even drink something while wearing it.