What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea can be a life-threatening sleep condition if it goes undiagnosed. It is caused by the blockage of your airway as you sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed – obstructive being the most common. The definition of the disease is well described in the word ‘apnea’, meaning “temporary cessation of breathing.”The sufferer stops breathing for 10-15 seconds at a time, from dozens to sometimes HUNDREDS of times during the night.
Do I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Most Common Symptoms:
- Snoring with pauses in breathing
- Daytime sleepiness
Other Symptoms:
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Memory Loss
- Grinding teeth
- Headaches
- High Blood Pressure
- Fatigue
What are my Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
There are three main treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea depending on the severity of the condition:
- An oral appliance that open air passages by gently bringing the lower jaw and tongue forward
- CPAP machines that force air in
- Surgery to open airway
Dealing with obstructive sleep apnea is no walk in the park. Any questions are welcomed by Dr. Bis’ dental team so we can help improve your sleeping pattern, and, ultimately, your quality of life.
