Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a severe and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when an obstruction of an individual’s airway interferes with the flow of oxygen through the nose or mouth during sleep. In someone afflicted with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles of the throat and mouth relax during sleep until they fall back into the upper airway and causing a blockage that restricts breathing.

The signs and symptoms of this disorder during sleeping hours may include the following.

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of breathing cessation
• Abrupt awakenings
• Episodes of gasping for air
• Difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. 
  
  

An individual with sleep apnea will exhibit also exhibit symptoms during the day as well which may include the following:

• Morning headache
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability.
  
  

A sleep study is typically conducted to determine the severity of the disorder. The results of this study and other medical findings will play a role in determining the recommended therapy. The most common form of treatment is a CPAP machine that you will wear when you sleep. This device provides a steady stream of pressurized air into the respiratory system through a mask.

In a mild to a moderate situation, it’s best to manage sleep apnea in Kingston with a dental appliance that may be deemed appropriate. Although worn similarly to a mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, the device’s hard matrix material binds together filler particles is designed to help keep the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing, thereby enabling the airway to stay open during sleep. An oral appliance is easy to wear, easy to care for, comfortable, and portable. Dental devices are individually fabricated and customized for both maximum effectiveness and comfort.