Sleep Apnea

Snoring is the first sign that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be present. Often, however, patients progress from snoring to OSA over time without warning, leaving them at serious risk. Other signs include:

 

• Lack of energy and zest
• Reduce cognitive ability as the brain and other organs are slowly starved for oxygen.

 

Many patients are mistakenly treated with anti-depressants. Children should never snore, and, if they do, they should be tested for OSA. They can have serious obstructive apnea leading to attention disorder and poor school performance.

 

Facts about Snoring and Sleep Disorders

 

• Sleep disorders are prevalent in 70 million Americans.
• Thousands of hours are lost on the job with the cost in U.S. production exceeding $60 billion annually.
• Ninety percent of snorers exhibit some apneic tendencies.
• Hypertension is present in approximately 50% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Vascular pressure in the brain increases with OSA, increasing the risk of stroke.
• Sixty percent of males and forty percent of females over 60 years of age snore (female snoring increases after menopause).
• Snoring noise can reach 90 decibels.
• Over long periods, OSA results in memory loss and intellectual deterioration.
• Left untreated, snoring increases risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Drowsiness is blamed from 200,000 to 400,000 automobile accidents annually.

 

It is easy to find advertisements for gimmicks that are supposed to treat snoring. Most of these approaches leave the user with only a partial response, if any. Patients come to our office often frustrated by failed promises. But, now there is a scientific approach for the treatment of snoring. It is developed by dentists like Dr. Morgan who have focused their efforts on a specialized service within the field of dentistry.

 

Pharyngeal Dilators – "The Answer"

 

Now these dilators offer a remarkable alternative to those "gimmicks" and have been proven to be effective by universities and sleep laboratories more than 87% of the time.

Snoring begins when we fall asleep and the throat muscles relax, allowing airflow to be restricted and turbulent. Snoring is amplified as the airway continues to collapse and normal airflow is impeded. Pharyngeal dilators open and support the sleep airway by gently moving the lower jaw forward.

 

You Can Stop Snoring!

 

A simple test to rule out OSA in snorers is required. Dr. Morgan works closely with expert sleep physicians in providing these types of services to patients.

 

After the initial consultation and examination is completed, it only takes a short time to fabricate and deliver a customized oral appliance. Many dilator users claim they wake up feeling more energized. You can stop snoring now and sleep in silent comfort with an easy-to-wear appliance.

 

Advantages of an airway dilator over other therapies include:

 

• Low cost, affordable
• An effective non-surgical treatment that can be fit in only one, short, painless visit
• Non-invasive