What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea: There are three types of apnea: obstructive, cental and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common.  People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night, maybe hundreds of times.  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage in the airway, usually when soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  Our muscles relax during sleep and then gravity pulls the airway closed.  Momentary suffocation develops producing excessive stress on the body.  OSA is highly correlated with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.  OSA is also asscociated with daytime sleepiness, headaches, memory loss, mood changes, relationship disturbances and decreased libido.

Snoring:  Most of us don't think of snoring as something to be overly concerned about.  However, frequent snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea.  If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may suffer from a sleep disorder: Daytime fatigue, morning drowsiness, insomnia, gasping for breath in the middle of the night, snoring.  Sleep apnea affects an estimated 25 million adults, and despite growing awareness of the severe consequences of untreated OSA, 90% of sleep apnea patients are still undiagnosed.

Oral Sleep Appliance:  Drs. Emery and Scuro can offer aleep apnea patients an alternative to a CPAP machine.  Our sleep appliance provide a more personalized and less intrusive treatment to specifically fit each patient so that they can enjoy better sleep with more freedom.  The appliance moves the lower jaw forward and holds it there while the patient sleeps.  In doing this, the tongue is also pulled forward and is prevented from falling back and occluding the airway.  This appliance worn during the night helps to maintain an open airway, reducing snoring sleep apnea.

• Less intrusive than a CPAP
• Patients can open and close their mouth
• Easily adjusts
• Permits drinking and yawning
• Durable
• Opening allows for more air intake

Left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Memory problems
• Impotence
• Cardiovascular disease
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Depression

Studies indicate untreated sleep disorders may be responsible for job impairment and car accidents.

Mild to moderate sleep apnea patients are well treated by an oral appliance.  The most severe patients are best helped with CPAP.  However, the non-compliant severe patients should consider an oral appliance.

Oral sleep appliances are covered by most medical insurance policies.  If you feel you have any of thess symptoms call the dental office of Dr. Emery and Scuro DMD for evaluation at (585) 247-7110.

Additionally, we provide full dental care for individuals, families and children:

• General Dentistry
• Implants & Implant Dentures
• Orthodontics
• Emergency Care
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Laser Periodontal Therapy

We take great steps to ensure that your experience in our office is a pleasant and rewarding one - from our curteous, professional staff to our comfortable relaxing atmosphere.