Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Oral Appliances: A Solution for a Good Night’s Sleep

By Richard W. Rozensky, DDS, D.ABDSM

Sleep apnea affects more than 25 million people in the United States. It is a progressive condition that interrupts breathing patterns throughout a person’s sleep. People that suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may have episodes of stopping breathing up to hundreds of times per night for 10 seconds or longer, and along with this disruption comes many adverse side effects and morbidities.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?
The Short answer to sleep apnea’s cause is that the airway collapses during sleep due to one or more of the following conditions, obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, stress, lung disease like COPD, emphysema or asthma, drugs, and various ailments. Once the sleep pattern is disrupted, the lack of oxygen to the brain and heart can cause serious health concerns and implications.

What are the Side Effects and Complications Associated with Sleep Apnea?
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Chronic disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Behavioral issues
• Stroke
• Brain health impairment

If not treated, over time, OSA can lead to heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and other serious complications.

What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
• Snoring
• Gasping
• Dry mouth
• Choking
• Cognitive decline or brain fog
• Restless sleeping
• Depression and irritability

The customary first line of treatment for sleep apnea is a PAP device. However, many patients are unable to tolerate the use of a PAP, and therefore are not achieving optimum treatment results. Those patients are candidates for Oral Appliance Therapy, or OAT. Research shows that a custom-fit oral appliance is an effective therapeutic treatment option for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and can also help to eliminate snoring. A custom oral appliance is similar to a nightguard or retainer and is designed to assist in opening the airway. By opening the airway, you increase your oxygen intake, as well as improve your sleep, and your over-all health. The American Medical Association, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, all recommend OAT to be prescribed by a Sleep Physician and fabricated by an ABDSM qualified dentist.

The negative effects of poor sleep are numerous. We all know the short term results of not sleeping well and feeling terrible but what about the more serious health concerns? If left untreated, people may experience poor memory, decreased cognitive function leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity and worsening symptoms of asthma and COPD due to lack of oxygen to the brain during sleeping hours. The good news is that if properly diagnosed and treated early, the effects of Sleep Apnea can be reversed over time.

COVID-19 and Sleep Apnea
It is the position of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This recommendation is being made based on the following information:
• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has indicated that PAP therapy potentially exposes individuals, especially those in proximity to the patient, to increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.
• A number of studies have found evidence that COVID-19 can remain suspended in the air in aerosol particles
• It is unknown whether it is possible for patients to be re-infected from re-using PAP tubing, filters, and/or masks.
• There have been reported shortages of distilled water and other supplies necessary for optimal use of PAP machines.
• Oral appliances do not generate aerosols and can be easily disinfected by patients to kill the COVID-19 virus

Best of all, Village Sleep Dentistry provides CDC recommended, single use WatchPAT™ ONE contactless, first and only disposable Home Sleep Apnea Test.

At Village Sleep Dentistry, we not only have the qualifications, but we are also a Medicare approved provider as well. If you have Sleep Apnea, consider improving your health and your quality of life. Your body and mind will thank you.

Meet Dr. Rozensky
As a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and recognized as a qualified dentist by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Rozensky earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from University of New York at Buffalo and then went on to serve our country in the United States Air Force, after which he enjoyed private practice in General Dentistry for over 20 years. Dr. Rozensky now includes his passion for Sleep Dentistry in his practice and finds true joy in the life changing care he is providing.

Village Sleep Dentistry
At Village Sleep Dentistry, our dentist Dr. Richard Rozensky and the entire dental team will work closely with you so that you can make informed decisions about your health. In addition to sleep dentistry, we offer all aspects of dental care and treatment including restorative, general, cosmetic dentistry and more.

From the moment you step in the door you will feel at ease. You will be welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with a professional and caring team. You will immediately recognize the emphasis on professionalism and quality, from the people who care for you to the technology used-this is the way dental care should be!

Village Sleep Dentistry
352.430.1710
villagesleepdentistry.com

1950 Laurel Manor Drive, Suite 180B
The Villages, Florida 32162