Obstructive Sleep Apnea
and Sleep Disordered Breathing in Adults
There are three things that are fundamental to life: breathing, sleeping and eating. In the person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Dysfunctional Upper Airway Insufficiency or Airway Obstruction two of them are compromised.
Some signs that you may have an Obstructive Airway with or without Sleep Apnea are:
- Snoring
- Sleepiness during the day
- Feelings of depression
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
- Lack of energy
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Night time urination
Approximately 1 out of 5 adults has at least mild Obstruction sleep apnea and 90% of them have not been diagnosed. The risk is 2 to 3 times greater in men, however the risk increases in postmenopausal women.
50% of adults have a compromised airway that affects the quality of their sleep.
Nearly as many automobile accidents are caused by daytime sleepiness as are caused by driving under the influence.
The effects of second hand snoring can cause the same health concerns for your partner.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Farrel Gerber for over 20 years. He is an excellent dentist with more knowledge than can ever be expected. With the best staff behind him you can expect to be treated with nothing but kindness.
I have had many issues with grinding my teeth when I sleep, which has caused some dental problems. Dr. Gerber spoke to me about a nightguard to wear so I don’t have the impact on my teeth from grinding. I have been wearing the guard for about 6 weeks now and what a difference. I sleep more thoroughly, my lips are less chapped, I can breathe better and best of all, it is very comfortable and I have no jaw pain when I wake up.
Aside from being such a great dentist, he is a wonderful person, with a lot of concern for his patients. I just love him and would recommend him to anyone and everyone!”
—D.M.
Many people that have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have been prescribed a CPAP to wear while sleeping. Unfortunately, two out of three patients find it to be cumbersome and uncomfortable and dislike using it or simply don’t use it at all.
A less intrusive way to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea is available. Oral appliance therapy consists of a removable appliance, similar to an orthodontic retainer or athletic mouth guard, worn at night, which gently repositions the lower jaw. This repositioning allows the airway to remain in a more open position maximizing air flow.
How will you know if you can be helped by Oral appliance therapy? The first step is easy. Schedule a no-cost consultation with Dr. Gerber.
