Sleep Apnea and Dentistry

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep condition characterized by pauses or short breaks in breathing during one’s sleep period. Each episode, called an apnea, lasts long enough so that one or more breaths are missed and can last up to 90 seconds. Such episodes occur repeatedly throughout the patient’s sleep cycle. This condition ordinarily affects adults, as well as children. Dr. Elyassi can treat various types of sleep apnea with oral surgery and/or with the use of certain dental appliances that are customized specifically for each patient.

Sleep apnea is a condition that should be taken very seriously as it can cause mild to severe health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, ED in men, as well as the inability to memorize and concentrate on day to day tasks. Sleep apnea is one of the main conditions that leads to lethargies during the day and while driving, impairing one’s ability to drive. As a result, sleep apnea is one of the major causes of car accidents and according to a study published in Sleep (the official journal of the American Sleep Disorders Association), “As many as 92% of middle aged men and 83% of middle aged women may have undiagnosed moderate to severe sleep apnea” (Sleep 10:705-706,1997)

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are 3 Types of Sleep Apnea:
(1) Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
A physical blockage of air within the pharynx region of the upper throat usually caused by an increased amount of soft tissue within or upwards of that region.
(2) Central sleep apnea (CSA)
Is caused by a lack of respiratory effort due to the brain failing to transmit the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
(3) Mixed or Complex sleep apnea
The combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms

It is very difficult for a person to become aware of the main sleep apnea condition due to the apnea occurring during the individual’s sleep period. Family members or significant others would be the first noticed and identify these symptoms of sleep apnea. Include:

• Excessively loud snoring.
• Gasping for air while sleeping as if there is some type of blockage choking the individual.

Some symptoms you may recognize yourself, which may indicate you are suffering from a sleep apnea condition are:

• Frequently awaking throughout the night to urinate.
• Migraine headaches upon awakening and throughout the morning.
• Cotton mouth or a sore throat upon awakening.
• Inability to memorize and concentrate on day to day tasks
• Irritable and minor depression.

Sleep Apnea Q&A.

How do I know I have Sleep Apnea?

It is significant to consider that if you or your loved one is suffering from one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they are caused by sleep apnea or a sleep apnea condition is present. There are many health conditions that create similar and/or the same symptoms that are not related to sleep apnea. To confirm if you or your loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, schedule a consult with Dr. Elyassi to be professionally evaluate.

What are the sleep apnea treatment options offered by Dr. Elyassi?

Depending on the type of sleep apnea the patient is diagnosed with and the current causes of the sleep apnea; Dr. Elyassi may be able to treat obstructive sleep apnea condition(s) with the use of dental appliance and/or oral surgery.
Patient’s diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea due to the growth of excessive soft tissue within or upwards the pharynx region, oral surgery must be performed to correct and remove the blockage.
If the patient’s jaw is situated in an incorrect position that is causing the OSA, a device that straps around the head (removable and worn only during bedtime) or an ‘athletic mouth guard type’ device custom made for the patient’s mouth and teeth (removable and worn only during bedtime) may be the best solution.
Patients experiencing OSA caused by the tongue falling back and blocking the airway passage while sleeping, another ‘athletic mouth guard type’ device made with a tongue restricting or retaining element that is custom made for the patient’s mouth and teeth (removable and worn only during bedtime as well) may be the best solution.
Finally, a combination of the preceding three options may be the best solution. The goal is to find the most comfortable and effective treatment for the patient.