Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is interruption in breathing during sleep, oven occurring 30 or more times each hour. When breathing resumes, it’s often accompanied by loud snoring that results from partial airway blockage. Excessive weight and enlarged tonsils are two of the most common causes of sleep apnea, but other factors, such as smoking, the use of alcohol or other depressants, age, and family history can also contribute to its development.

Sleep apnea is much more than an annoyance; it has been shown to increase the risk of several dangerous health conditions. The associated drops in blood oxygen can trigger the release of stress hormones, contributing to the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmia. Interrupted sleep can also put you at higher risk for accidents, especially while driving or at work.[1]

[1] “What Causes Sleep Apnea?” NHLBI.NIH.gov. National Institutes of Health, 10 July 2012. Web. 2 Feb 2017.

Often, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are advised to use a machine that delivers continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to help them breathe more easily by increasing air pressure in the throat to prevent collapse. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. In many cases, however, patients with mild to moderate OSA can benefit from a less invasive therapy.

At Anderson Dental Group, we offer our patients a more comfortable, durable, and convenient alternative to CPAP therapy. SomoDent is a custom-fitted device that was developed specifically to treat OSA and associated snoring. It works by moving the lower jaw forward, allowing tissues at the back of the throat to relax, preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway, and letting you get a quieter, safer night’s sleep.