You are probably aware that Richard Bernstein, DDS, is the premier choice for periodontal disease treatment or a dazzling smile makeover. However, you may be surprised to learn that he can also provide comfortable, convenient solutions for sleep apnea
WHAT IS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA?
Apnea is characterized by brief pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses in breathing may occur 60 times or more every hour.
During an apneic event:
- Breathing stops, for up to ten seconds, possibly longer.
- The entire body, including vital organs, is deprived of oxygen.
- Sleep is disturbed enough for breathing to resume.
- The heart and lungs work harder, raising heart rate and blood pressure.
The symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring, accompanied by pauses in breathing
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Choking or gasping during sleep
- Restless sleep
- Problems with mental functionality
- Poor judgment
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Hypertension
- Nighttime chest pain
- Depression
- Problem with excessive weight, especially in the neck
- Morning headaches
- Reduced libido
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom
APNEA DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis of sleep apnea cannot be done in a doctor’s office or dentist’s office. It requires a sleep study. If you are at risk for sleep apnea, we can help you arrange a study. We work closely with a distinguished sleep laboratory; they often refer their patients to Dr. Bernstein for treatment. We also provide the ability to do home testing on obstructive sleep apnea. This can also give us feed back on how much you grind and clench your teeth. Results are then analyzed by certified sleep physician.
The treatment most commonly prescribed by doctors is the CPAP machine. It forces air into your lungs while you sleep, and is 100 percent effective if used. However, only 30 percent of patients with apnea are willing to use this machine. Common complaints include noise, discomfort, quality of air produced, and inconvenience. Many people report being unable to sleep at all, when using CPAP.
AN ALTERNATIVE TO CPAP
Doctor Bernstein offers convenient, comfortable, oral appliance therapy. There are several styles, which all work in a similar fashion. They are called mandibular advancement appliances, meaning that they hold the lower jaw forward, opening the airway. They also prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat. These devices are effective for 80 percent of patients with mild to moderate apnea, and nearly 100 percent of patients continue using them. They can also be used to stop snoring.
Chronic snoring can disturb your entire household, and possibly signify a dangerous apneic condition. Although not everyone who snores has apnea, most people who have apnea snore. Dr. Bernstein provides more than family dental care – he provides family sleep care! Call or email today, and find out more about sleep apnea treatment.
