Snoring and Sleep Appliances
Causes
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and potentially life-threatening disorder in which breathing pauses while you sleep. OSA results in decreased oxygen levels in the blood and can disrupt sleep cycles by briefly waking sleepers through the night. OSA has many different causes.
In adults, the most common cause of OSA is excess weight and obesity which affects the soft tissue of the mouth and throat. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles relax, the soft tissue can block the airway however many other factors are also associated with this condition in adults. In addition to obesity, other contributing factors may include hypothyroidism, smoking, excessive alcohol use and the use of sedatives.
In children, enlarged tonsils or adenoids and other dental conditions such as a large overbite can contribute to OSA.
Untreated OSA can lead to serious and, many times, life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, work-related or driving accidents and premature death.
Diagnosing
A physician must determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea. Our office provides patients with at home sleep tests that will then be interpreted by a sleep physician to make a diagnosis.
Treatments
Treatment for OSA can depend on the diagnosis and the severity of the sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be an effective option for mild-to-moderate OSA. Oral appliances are worn during sleep and support the jaw in a forward position which allows the upper airway to stay open.
Sleep Apnea in the News
About Dr. Lisa Loving
In addition to practicing dentistry at Loving Family Dental, Dr. Lisa Loving is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), the only non-profit professional association dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine.
In 2019 Dr. Lisa completed her Mastery Program and board examination to earn her diplomate status with of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Lisa works with physicians to treat patients for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, an effective treatment for many that is covered by most insurance plans.
While oral appliances aren’t for everyone, it’s important to have a dentist that is well educated about sleep and is able to communicate with you and your physician regarding this treatment option.
AADSM membership provides Dr. Lisa Loving with access to educational resources and practice management tools that help her better serve her patients by providing the highest quality of care in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. For more information about AADSM, visit www.aadsm.org.