People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep and low blood oxygen levels. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway and airflow stops. When the oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough, the sleeper partially awakens, the obstruction in the throat clears, and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation lead to very serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Some patients have obstructions that are less severe, called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). In either case, the individuals suffer many of the same symptoms.
Dr. Bakhshi offers sleep apnea oral appliance to treat mild or moderate sleep apnea. If you have severe sleep apnea, an oral appliance is not recommended as a first line of treatment most of the time but it may be combined.
How do oral appliances treat sleep apnea?
An oral appliance prevents your airway from collapsing by either holding the tongue or supporting the jaw in a forward position. You must be custom fitted for an oral appliance in order for it to be effective. There are a variety of oral appliances that can treat obstructive sleep apnea. Each device may differ in appearance.
Mandibular repositioning devices – These oral appliances reposition your lower jaw forward and down slightly to keep your airway open while you sleep. Mandibular repositioning devices are the most widely used oral appliances.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
The first step in treatment resides in recognition of the symptoms and seeking appropriate consultation. Our office offers consultation and treatment options.
In addition to a detailed history, will assess the anatomic relationships in the maxillofacial region. With cephalometic (skull x-ray) analysis, the doctors can ascertain the level of obstruction. Sometimes a naso-pharyngeal exam is done with a flexible fiber-optic camera. To confirm the amount of cardiovascular compromise and decreased oxygenation levels, a sleep study will be recommended to monitor an individual overnight.
For more information about Sleep Apnea or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bakhshi, call our office at 650-617-1905