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Who gets sleep apnea?
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Sleep apnea occurs in all age groups and both sexes but is more common in men. At least 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women have sleep apnea with excessive daytime sleepiness. People most likely to develop sleep apnea include:
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- Those who snore loudly.
- Are overweight.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Have a physical abnormality in the nose, throat\or other parts of the upper airway.
- There is also some evidence for familial tendencies, suggesting a possible genetic basis.
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What should I do if I think I have sleep apnea? |
Discuss your symptoms with your physician or Dr. Sosenko. If Dr. Sosenko suspects that you have OSA, she will refer you to a sleep specialist for a more definitive diagnosis using an overnight sleep test. After the results of the test are reviewed and a diagnosis is made, different treatment options are discussed.
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How do I know if I am a candidate for an oral appliance? |
| Your sleep specialist will evaluate your severity of your condition. If he/she feel that you are a good candidate for OAT, Dr. Sosenko will further evaluate your oral condition and discuss your treatment options. |
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How do I know which oral appliance is right for me? |
| There are many types of oral appliances. Dr. Sosenko works with several of the most researched adjustable appliances and evaluates each individual's condition and life style demands before choosing which type is best for him/her. |
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How does the OA prevent snoring and OSA? |
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- By repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula.
- By stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue.
- By increasing the muscle tone of the tongue
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| Through the above actions, the tissues and tongue are prevented from collapsing in keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Since air flows freely into the lungs, the forced flow of air and vibrations of the tissue (known as snoring) do not occur. |
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How successful is OAT (Oral Appliance Therapy)? |
| For mild obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances have been found to be about 76% effective. For the treatment of snoring control, OA's are over 90% effective. |
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Does insurance cover the cost of OAT? |
| Most medical insurance policies will cover the OA when OSA is diagnosed. In the case of simple snoring, most policies do not currently pay for the OA. However, there is no question that for a snorer, the OA is the best investment he/she can make in his/her health and domestic tranquility. |
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Are there any long term health consequences to snoring / obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)? |
| In patients with untreated sleep apnea, the lowering of blood oxygen level can contribute to the development of heart irregularities. In addition, blood pressure can be elevated due to the stress on the heart, and at least 33% of people with sleep apnea have high blood pressure. Because of the cardiovascular effects, sleep apnea is known to be a cause of sudden death during sleep, although this is an uncommon occurrence. |
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What will Dr. Sosenko do if I need an oral appliance? |
| On your first visit, Dr. Sosenko will examine your teeth and mouth thoroughly and may confirm your oral health status with x-rays. If it is concluded that OAT is the best treatment option for you, dental impressions may be taken. These impressions are used by the laboratory to fabricate your custom made oral appliance. Once you have been wearing your appliance regularly and symptoms such as snoring or daytime sleepiness has been reduced, Dr. Sosenko will refer you back to your physician to determine how effective the appliance is for you. Regular recall visits to Dr. Sosenko are important to maintain or modify your oral appliance over time. |
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What are the side effects associated with Oral Appliance Therapy? |
| Patients using oral appliance therapy may experience the following side effects: |
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- Excessive salivation or dryness.
- Morning soreness in the teeth or jaw muscles
- Minor/moderate tooth movements .
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| Most of these side effects improve within a few weeks of regular use and some adjustments of the appliance. Periodic recall maintenance by Dr. Sosenko is important to track any potential side effects as tooth movements and to maintain / adjust the appliance. Patients with arthritis and chronic jaw joint dysfunction may have difficulty tolerating an OA. |
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Why worry about snoring? Isn't it just an annoying, but normal, sleep habit? |
| No. Since it's so common, most people assume it's only a nuisance to the bed partner. However, besides being disruptive to close relationships, snoring is a sleep-breathing disorder and can lead to serious health problems. |
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Are there people that aren't good candidates for OAT? |
| It is always best to evaluate if you are a good candidate for OAT during your initial consultation with Dr. Sosenko. There are several conditions that may be contraindicated for OAT: |
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- Central sleep apnea as opposed to obstructive sleep apnea.
- Fibromyalgia and severe arthritis.
- Poor dental health.
- Chronic untreated TMJ symptoms.
- Very obese individuals.
- Limited jaw movements
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Dental Sleep Medicine of Illinois
Dr. Lydia M. Sosenko, D.D.S.,D.ABDSM
Dr. Bryan Weyneth, D.D.S.
1100 Sherman Ave., Ste.103,
Naperville, IL 60563
1-630-369-5508
1-800-SNORING (766-7464) Northern IL only
Outside Northern IL 630-369-5508
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