2265 Livernois Road, Suite 406, Troy, MI 48083
Appointments: (248) 362-5055
Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
What is sleep apnea?
For many people, sleep apnea can be a serious sleep disorder. Those who have sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. These short stops in breathing can happen up to 400 times every night. If you have sleep apnea, the periods of not breathing may interrupt the duration of deep sleep. If you are waking up all night long, you’re not getting enough rest from your sleep and if you sleep for eight hours without reaching REM deep sleep, the physical and emotional consequences can be devastating.
There are two kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive apnea and central apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. Nine out of 10 people with sleep apnea have this type of apnea. If you have obstructive apnea, something is blocking the passage or windpipe (called the trachea) that brings air into your body. When you try to breathe, you can't get enough air because of the blockage. Your windpipe might be blocked by your tongue, tonsils or uvula (the little piece of flesh that hangs down in the back of your throat). It might also be blocked by a large amount of fatty tissue in the throat or even by relaxed throat muscles.
Treatment
Sleep apnea can be treated in different ways. One way is with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). Compressed air is delivered through a mask or nasal adaptor. This prevents collapse of the airway resulting in better rest. It must be worn every night while sleeping.
Another way is with an Oral Appliance.
An Oral Appliance is comfortable and easy to wear. We use many brands of appliance to best fit our patients individual needs. The appliance uses the smallest amount of material possible, reducing bulkiness in the mouth. It is made up of two separate pieces, worn on your upper and lower teeth, which allow you to speak, yawn and drink. This design does not limit tongue space which results in a high comfort level.
Call the office today, if you have any questions.
