Snoring - Sleep Apnea

Freedom for Sleep Apnea Sufferers: Dental Appliances as an alternative to CPAP

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a dangerous, potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by interruptions of breathing during sleep, lasting longer than 10 seconds (approximately two breaths) and with a minimum of five such episodes per hour.  If left untreated, Sleep Apnea can compromise one’s quality of life and can lead to other serious medical conditions such as: excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. As many as 90% of all sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, largely due to the fact that sufferers are unaware that their symptoms are a sign of a serious breathing disorder. Recognized symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring and gasping and choking during sleep.

What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea results from a complex interaction between nerves, muscles and other anatomic factors.  With any combination of these factors in susceptible individuals, the airway closes. The brain then senses a reduction in oxygen and sends a signal to resume breathing resulting in an abrupt awakening from sleep during which the airway opens and breathing resumes. Often this occurs with a loud snort or gasp.

Dental Appliances that can help CPAP-intolerant patients.

Dr. Johnson currently fabricates and fits various types of oral appliances for the treatment of Sleep Apnea:  Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs) and Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). Both are designed to position the tongue in a more forward position and hold the mouth open beyond its normal rest position. This effectively keeps the airway open by preventing collapse of the tongue on the soft palate and throat.

Decisions on treatment are customized for each patient based on the individual's unique needs, preferences, health problems and life style.

If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea or are CPAP-intolerant, please contact us at 310-540-8800 or 800-961-7740 to schedule a free consultation to see if a dental appliance can work for you.