Protect Yourself From a Dangerous Sleep Disorder

At the Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we're concerned about the overall health of our patients, including their sleep health. Many people suffer needlessly from dangerous sleep disruptive disorders that keep them from getting enough oxygen at night. The risk of a heart attack is 23 times more likely than average with a sleep disorder, and 92% of stroke victims live unknowingly with sleep apnea before having a stroke. Our training allows us to offer you education and treatment surrounding sleep health, and our care is one of the simplest and most cost-effective options.

Estimates suggest that more than twelve million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea. Most cases are still undiagnosed, contributing to diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and traffic accidents related to drowsy driving.

Dentistry serves a vital role in treating this silent epidemic. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as primary therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for patients with severe sleep apnea who can't tolerate CPAP treatment. If you suffer from sleep apnea, call the Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry today to book an appointment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep due to a blockage in the airway. Obstructions occur when throat muscles, the tongue, tonsils, or the soft palate relax and cover the airway, preventing breathing. The obstruction results in a severe drop in blood oxygen levels throughout the night.

OSA is typically diagnosed using a sleep study. During a sleep study, a sleep physician monitors brain activity and body system functions while a patient rests overnight at a sleep lab. The specialist evaluates the data collected to diagnose sleep disorders and recommend treatment.

If prescribed by the sleep doctor, a dentist trained in sleep medicine works with the patient to treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. In some cases, a home sleep study may also be possible instead of reporting to a sleep lab. The dentists at the Center for Cosmetic & General Dentistry have extensive experience in working with area sleep doctors to help patients suffering from sleep apnea.