Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Welcome to the Snoring & Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Algonquin, lead by Dr. Gene H. Sherman. Founded in response to an ever increasing demand, Dr. Sherman created this “practice within a practice” to allow patients to receive treatment for their sleep disorders and maintain their relationships with their own General Dentist. Dr. Sherman provides a safe and non-surgical treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Learn about this gentle, effective method of attaining a good night’s sleep for better health. Dr. Sherman has attended numerous classes and clinics and will be certified by the American Association of Dental Sleep Medicine.


Snoring

Snoring is a problem that affects 40% of adults by the age of 40, and almost 45 million Americans. Snoring can cause disrupted sleep for both snorers and their sleeping partner. Snoring is the harsh sound that occurs when the tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth vibrates against the back of throat. When this occurs, the airway narrows. As air passes through the narrower airway, the tissues vibrate against each other and create the snoring sound that can grow louder during sleep.

Snoring can lead to daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, heart problems, restless sleep, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, snoring increases a person’s risk of having a motor vehicle accident. Snoring is often an indication of a bigger health problem – obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods of time during sleep. It occurs when soft tissues at the back of the throat close off the airway so air cannot flow into the lungs, depleting the brain of oxygen and awakening the person with a loud snort or gasp. A person with OSA can experience periods of breathlessness up to 20-30 times per hour. Symptoms include loud snoring, periodic episodes of breathlessness, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Several factors can put you at risk for developing OSA: being overweight, sinus trouble and/or allergies, large tonsils, lung disease, heart failure, sedating medicines and alcohol, endocrine or hormonal disorders, teeth grinding (bruxism), Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), menopause, male gender, and smoking.

Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from OSA, making it as common as asthma and diabetes. However, most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to a heart attack or stroke and is associated with high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke and obesity. Other health consequences include: depression, decreased quality of life, decreased sex drive, morning headache, cerebrovascular disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Detecting sleep apnea generally involves a sleep study, using polysomnography (PSG) to monitor various physiological functions during an overnight stay in a sleep clinic or in a hospital.

We have a very reliable diagnostic device that you can use in the comfort of your own home, an environment that is more relaxed and better reflects the actual pattern of your sleep habits.

Further, a Sleep Study with this device, called the Watch-PAT 100, costs about one-tenth the expense of a clinical or hospital Sleep Study.

Treatments for Snoring and Sleep Apnea

CPAP

The CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device is the first line of treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea, and it can be very effective for those who can tolerate it. The CPAP is an air mask that fits over the nose and mouth which blows high pressured air down the throat. It is successful but can be sometimes uncomfortable to wear while sleeping. Sleep medicine literature reports the inability to wear CPAP runs from 30% - 60% of those to whom it is prescribed. (See photo of CPAP device) (click here)

SURGERY

In some cases, patients may benefit most from one of several procedures designed to provide permanent relief from the effects of sleep apnea. The basic goal of sleep apnea surgery is to increase the size of the airway, making it easier for patients to breathe during sleep, and more difficult for the body to interfere. A common procedure is to remove the uvula and part of the soft palate.

Your physician can help determine if surgery is an option for you.

Fortunately, there is another solution!

Click here for your free consultation!

If you or your loved one suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), don’t wait any longer to get treatment. Both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems. If a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device, or CPAP, is not recommended or uncomfortable, using an oral appliance can help. An oral appliance is a small, acrylic device that fits over the upper and lower teeth to slightly advance the lower jaw or tongue, which moves the base of the tongue forward and opens the airway. This improves breathing and reduces snoring and apnea.



An oral appliance is similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard. This plastic device is individually designed and fitted by Dr. Sherman to reposition and stabilize the lower jaw and soft tissues in order to keep the airway open. From a variety of available oral appliances, Dr. Sherman will choose the one that is best for you. An oral appliance is the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine’s recommended first line treatment for mild to moderate OSA and snoring.

Shown is the Somnomed, MAS, which is one example of several available designs

There are many advantages to using an oral appliance rather than CPAP. Oral appliances are safe, require no surgery, make no noise, are small, easily adjustable, and convenient for travel. Patients agree that an oral appliance is more comfortable to wear than CPAP masks and their sleep partners appreciate the quiet night’s rest they get without noisy CPAP. There are very few potential side effects: excessive oral salivation or dryness, morning mouth soreness, and minor tooth movements. If you do experience a side effect, tell your dentist; he or she may be able to adjust the appliance and relieve your symptoms. Most patients who experience these side effects report that they improve within a few weeks of regular use.

If you feel an oral appliance is right for you, come in to Dr. Sherman’s office for a sleep consultation. Dr. Sherman can assess your condition and need for an oral appliance.

Patient questionnaire

Sleep is a major factor in our overall health and well being. This brief quiz from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine may provide a clue to your sleep profile. If you answer 'true' more than twice, you may want to discuss your sleep problem with a healthcare professional and discuss the possibility of ruling out OSA.

Some Helpful Links

American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Talk About Sleep
Dr. Jonathon Parker