SLEEP APNEA & SNORING SOLUTION
It's estimated that between 20 - 30 million Americans have sleep apnea. Many of these people do not realize that they have this condition. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder which is caused by a blockage of the airway. People who suffer from sleep apnea may actually stop breathing for 10 seconds or more. This may happen 20 - 50 times per hour for some people. Snoring is often associated with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can result in serious health risk, including an increased risk for stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
There's a device, called‚ ”CPAP”, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to treat sleep apnea. CPAP has been proven effective if the patient keeps using the device. However, according to some surveys, 50 - 60% of CPAP users stop wearing the device within the first year because they find the mask uncomfortable or cumbersome to wear.
Now, there is a dental sleep apnea and snoring solution, an alternative to CPAP. This oral appliance works by moving the lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway open.
The benefits of this oral appliance are: You don't have to wear that headgear or the CPAP mask; and You are not tethered to the air pump. This oral appliance is for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring.
To start the process for this oral appliance, we offer a free consultation appointment. During this time we will discuss treatment options and answer your questions. We can work with your primary care physician to order a sleep study. Only after a sleep study, can your physician diagnose your problem. In many cases, your physician may offer CPAP as the first treatment option. CPAP is an effective and proven solution for sleep apnea and snoring. However, for those who cannot tolerate the CPAP device, a dental oral appliance is available. After the first consultation, we will take impressions of your mouth to make a custom oral appliance. This appointment usually takes about 45 minutes. At your third visit, we will deliver your oral appliance and make sure it fits properly. And we will demonstrate how to use the device.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about this new dental sleep apnea solution.
Email: staff@drtawa.com or Phone: 310-373-6728
EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE
In contrast to just feeling tired, how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?
| SITUATION:This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you. | CHANCE OF DOZING SOCRE (0-3)
|
|---|---|
| Sitting and reading | |
| Watching television | |
| Sitting inactive in a public place (i.e. theater) | |
| As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break | |
| Lying down to rest in the afternoon | |
| Sitting and talking to someone | |
| Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol | |
| In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic | |
| YOUR TOTAL SCORE |
SCORE ANALYSIS Score of 1-6: you're getting enough sleep Score of 4-8: you tend to be sleepy during the day; this is the average score Score of 9-15: you are very sleepy and should seek medical advice Score of 16 or greater: you are dangerously sleepy and should seek medical advice