A Note From Dr. Seidler & Staff About Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Do You Suffer From Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

OSA, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea, has been linked to excessive tiredness, depression and reduced resistance to infection. When left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of heart attack, hypertension, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, catching colds and even death.

If you have OSA or display symptoms of OSA such as loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue and witnessed apneas, it is essential that you seek the right treatment option.

What Causes OSA?

During sleep, muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the airway. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula) and the throat vibrate-a sound we know as snoring. Loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem-OSA. This is where the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath.

How Do You Treat OSA and Snoring?

In the past, the only effective treatment for OSA was using a CPAP unit, a mask that you wear while you sleep that forces air into your throat to keep your airway open. Although effective, many find the CPAP unit to be noisy, claustrophobic and generally a nuisance. In fact, sleep physicians report that only 30% of patients that have been prescribed to use a CPAP unit actually use it.

Fortunately, through an appropriate oral appliance that resembles an upper and lower retainer, we can now treat OSA with equal effectiveness to that of a CPAP but far more conveniently and comfortably.

If you think you may have sleep apnea or suffer from snoring, why not call the office today to schedule a no charge consultation? Dr Seidler can evaluate if you likely have sleep apnea and if you could benefit from Oral Appliance Therapy. Best of all, this treatment may be covered by your Medical Insurance.

Again, thanks so much for choosing us as your dental practice. Wishing you and yours a fantastic holiday season!