The SmileDentalImplants is devoted to the multidisciplinary management of sleep disordered breathing.
Prior to the visit, all patients have to fill out the health history and sleep questionnaire.
We believe in the importance cross communication with your other treating clinicians.
We interact closely with sleep centers in the Athens region.
At the initial visit, patients are expected to bring a copy of their most recent sleep study (if any)
and other medical records. Jaw symptoms and headache commonly co-occur with sleep disorders.
We conduct a comprehensive assessment to rule out any of these mediating issues.
Management of sleep disordered breathing such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is decided according
the specific needs of each patient. Various types of dental appliances are often used for optimum patient care.
A review of the psychological and social consequences of sleep disorder is important as
psychological factors have been shown to either enhance or inhibit recovery.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) syndrome is a common disorder that is associated with serious adverse health consequences.
During an apnea episode the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat;
these are associated with drops of oxygen level, arousal and fragmented sleep.
Associated symptoms may include:
Snoring
Unrefreshing sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Nocturnal snorting, choking or gasping for air
Fatigue
Morning headaches
Cognitive impairment
Irritability
Depression
In addition to excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea patients are much more likely
to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, hypertension),
strokes, as well as having a higher incidence of driving related accidents
(patients often report falling asleep while driving).
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, physical exam and the results of a full night polysomnography (sleep study),
which is conducted at a sleep laboratory.
Treatment Options
1. CPAP Therapy
Continuous positive airway pressure is the most effective treatment;
it requires the use of a mask interface, sealed tubing, and a device connected to a power source.
Many patients are unable to tolerate the use of CPAP due to difficulty on keeping the mask on,
feeling claustrophobic, noise from the machine awaking the bed partner,
difficulty to bring the CPAP machine every where the patient goes (frequent travelers).
2.Oral Appliance Therapy
A recent update of the clinical practice parameters of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
state that oral appliances are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
in patients who prefer oral appliances to CPAP, who do not respond to CPAP,
who are not suitable for treatment with CPAP, or for whom treatment attempts with CPAP are unsuccessful.
CPAP is a more efficacious treatment, it is recommended that CPAP be considered before oral appliances
for patients with severe OSA Oral appliances are an alternative option for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy,
they are considered by patients to be a more acceptable treatment modality compared to CPAP.
Oral appliances are portable and do not requires a power source.
The greater acceptance by patients of oral appliances results in better treatment adherence.
Sleep Apnea Therapy
Oral appliances are removable devices used at nighttime to prevent the collapse of the tongue
and the soft palate onto the back of the throat.
These are attached to the upper and lower teeth, and then mechanically move the lower jaw forward
to keep the airway open during sleep. The objective of these devices is to improve the patency
of the upper airway during sleep by increasing its dimensions and reducing its collapsibility.
Our dental clinic uses the latest dental technology to manage your sleep apnea disorder and to give you back a normal life,
without snoring and apnea.
If you snoring and have the symptoms of the sleep apnea please contact our clinic today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Botos.
We look forward to see you!