Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be much more serious than it seems!

More than just "so much noise," snoring may indicate the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked due to factors like tongue position, jaw development, or excess soft tissue, leading to periodic interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition reduces oxygen levels and can severely affect overall health, worsening as individuals age, leading to serious health complications over time.

At Urban Smiles Dentistry, we offer sleep screenings and collaborate with Medical Sleep Doctors to provide a medical diagnosis for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) along with prescriptions for effective oral appliance treatments. Additionally, we work alongside other specialties to ensure you receive a comprehensive treatment plan that targets the root cause of the condition— a compromised airway — for an effective long-term solution.

Symptoms:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Snoring
• Stopping breathing during sleep
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Loud breathing during sleep
• Dry mouth or throat
• Mouth breathing
• Headache
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness

Potential health effects of untreated obstructive sleep apnea include:

• High Blood Pressure
• Increased Stroke Risk
• Weight Gain
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Fibromyalgia
• ADD/ADHD
• Excessive drowsiness
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Depression
• Anxiety

People who are at a high risk for OSA may also have the following:

• Obesity BMO>35
• Type 2 diabetes
• History of stroke
• High blood pressure - more than 2 meds
• Pulmonary hypertension

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, is caused by a blockage of the airway and can be effectively treated in our dental office.
• Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, necessitating the intervention of a sleep specialist.

Learn More About Dental Sleep Medicine »

Normal breathing is silent breathing through your nose. It is quiet and effortless. It allows our bodies to go into normal deep, restorative sleep, and to awake refreshed and ready to take on each new day. Snoring and sleep apnea are not normal breathing patterns. Normal breathing is vital for living a vibrant happy life.

You can finally breathe a literal sigh of relief! Dr Miller is offering hope for a lasting solution to people who suffer mild, moderate and sever sleep apnea, snoring and sleep disordered breathing. Call Urban Smiles Dentistry today to learn more about your options or to sign up for a Patient Education Meeting.