Treatment Options for Patients with Restricted Airway and Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea

Do you snore throughout the night? Have you often woken up after a full night’s sleep feeling as if you still haven’t rested at all? Like most people, you probably think about snoring as merely an annoyance. You’re right; it is unwelcome, often causing a snorer’s bed partner frustration and loss of sleep. But did you know that snoring could signal a serious disorder called sleep apnea? More than just a nuisance, sleep apnea could aggravate many health problems and cause others. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if you are concerned that you might be at risk, consider undergoing a sleep study evaluation. If you’re diagnosed with restricted airway or sleep apnea, conservative treatments are available. Dr. Gillespie offers comfortable, effective oral appliances to treat those with sleep apnea at his Liberty Hill dental practice.

WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)?

Illustration of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA is a sleep-breathing condition that occurs when a patient’s airway is periodically restricted during the night. There are many possible causes for this blockage, including improper jaw position during sleep, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and excessive relaxation of throat muscles. Whatever the cause, the effect is that those with sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 seconds or more at a time. Eventually, the brain will signal a sleeper to awaken, and he or she will do so abruptly, but usually not completely enough to remember the episode by morning. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to daytime drowsiness, short-term memory loss, and even high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack, among other issues.

SLEEP APNEA VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE

Explanations of the health risks related to sleep apnea

Shaq O’Neal’s personal experience with sleep apnea

Patient testimonies about SomnoMed appliance verses the CPAP

Fox News Video 2013 The Dangers of Snoring

PREDICTORS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Common indicators that you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • Large neck

  • Hypertension

  • Reports of gasping by bed partner

  • Loud snoring

  • Obesity

  • Retrognathia

  • Overbite

  • Pharyngeal Grade over 2

  • Scalloped tongue

Do you have sleep apnea? Take this test to evaluate your symptoms.

Try this test to determine if your lack of quality sleep is preventing you from functioning appropriately during your daily activities. Or if you are suffering from any of the above indicators listed, please call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gillespie for a more thorough evaluation and to discuss treatment options.