Obstructive Sleep Apnea can often be successfully treated with a dental sleep apnea device. With OSA the tongue falls back into the throat while the patient is sleeping and blocks access to the lungs. It's like being strangled. A sudden lack of oxygen signals death to the patient's body so the body immediately responds by shaking. An OSA patient can have many of these episodes during sleep.

           A dental sleep apnea device solves the tongue problem by holding the lower jaw forward so that the tongue can't fall back in the throat. Many patients with OSA also have blocked nasal passages and are mouth breathers. Older appliances were bulky, blocked the mouth, and were difficult to wear. New sleep apnea dental appliance designs have overcome this problem and are much easier to wear.

          The first step in making a dental sleep apnea device is upper and lower impressions of the teeth to make dental models. A knowledgeable dentist then determines how the jaws should be positioned during sleep. A wax index is made showing this relationship and is tried in the patient to confirm that the patient can comfortably hold the jaw position. The models and wax index are then sent to a laboratory technician trained to construct this dental appliance. Patients are asked to wear it during the day so that the body gets used to wearing it. After a brief break in period, the appliance is worn every night. If the appliance is successful, the OSA patient feels much better. Interestingly enough, the OSA patient's sleeping partner often feel better because the dental appliance often eliminates the snoring that so many patients have.

          If you are having considering having a sleep apnea device made for you and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.