Tag Archives: symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy Offered at GPS Dental

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 9, 2024

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last for seconds to minutes and result in disrupted sleep patterns.

Two Types:

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes blocked or collapses, limiting airflow.
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common and occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles controlling breathing.

Symptoms:

Symptoms may include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. Learn more here.

Health Issues:

Sleep apnea can contribute to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for overall well-being. Learn how Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Health in More Ways Than Snoring.

More information about sleep apnea from the National Sleep Foundation.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options:

Sleep apnea oral appliance therapy is considered an alternative to using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for the treatment of sleep apnea. Both CPAP and oral appliances are effective interventions, but they work in different ways to address the underlying issues of sleep apnea.

CPAP Machine:

CPAP is a standard and highly effective treatment for sleep apnea.
It involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open.
The increased air pressure prevents the collapse of the airway, reducing or eliminating apneas and snoring.

Oral Appliance Therapy:

Oral appliances are custom-made devices, resembling mouthguards or dental retainers, that are worn in the mouth during sleep.
They work by repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue to help keep the airway open, preventing the collapse that leads to apneas.
There are different types of oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices.

Considerations for Choosing Between CPAP and Oral Appliance Therapy:

Patient Preference: Some individuals may find wearing a CPAP mask uncomfortable and prefer the smaller, less obtrusive nature of oral appliances.
Treatment Tolerance: While CPAP is highly effective, some people may have difficulty adjusting to the sensation of forced air. Oral appliances can be more tolerable for certain individuals.
Treatment Compliance: Patient compliance is crucial for the success of sleep apnea treatment. Individuals are more likely to consistently use a therapy they find comfortable and suitable for their lifestyle.
Severity of Sleep Apnea: The choice between CPAP and oral appliances may depend on the severity of sleep apnea. CPAP is often recommended for more severe cases, while oral appliances are considered effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

It’s important for individuals with sleep apnea to undergo a thorough evaluation by Dr. Skrobanek to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on their specific needs, preferences, and the severity of their condition. In some cases, a combination of therapies or lifestyle modifications may be recommended to optimize treatment outcomes.

Dr. Skrobanek Can Help

Because of Dr. Skrobanek’s membership through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he has completed education, coursework, workshops, and on-going training to enhance his knowledge and skills in the field of dental sleep medicine. This training is essential for understanding the complexities of sleep disorders and effective treatment options.

Treatments: Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy

Dr. Skrobanek offers sleep apnea oral appliance therapy at GPS Dental because it is a non-invasive treatment option for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is sometimes used for individuals with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. It involves the use of a custom-made oral appliance, often resembling a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, that can be made by Dr. Skrobanek to help keep your airway open during sleep.

Here’s how sleep apnea oral appliance therapy works …

How it Works: The oral appliance is designed to reposition the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue to prevent the collapse of the airway during sleep. By repositioning these structures, the appliance helps maintain an open and unobstructed airway, reducing the likelihood of apneas (temporary pauses in breathing) and snoring.
Customization: Oral appliances used in sleep apnea treatment are custom-made for each individual. Dr. Skrobanek will take impressions of your teeth and create a device that fits comfortably in your mouth.
Types of Appliances: There are various types of oral appliances, but they generally fall into two categories, mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices. MADs are the most common and work by repositioning the lower jaw forward. Tongue-retaining devices hold the tongue in a forward position to keep it from falling back and obstructing the airway.
Effectiveness: Oral appliance therapy can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of apneas and improving sleep quality. It is often considered for individuals who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or who prefer a more portable and less obtrusive treatment option.
Patient Selection: Oral appliances are typically recommended for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea. However, they may also be considered for some individuals with severe sleep apnea, especially if CPAP therapy is not suitable or well-tolerated.
Treatment Monitoring: After the initial fitting, regular follow-up visits with Dr. Skrobanek are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the oral appliance and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your device is providing optimal results.
Advantages: Oral appliances are generally well-tolerated and easy to use. They are also portable, making them convenient for travel. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances do not require electricity and are silent, which is appealing to most of our patients.
Combination Therapy: In some cases, oral appliance therapy may be used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as weight management, positional therapy, or surgery, depending on the individual’s specific needs.

It’s important to note that oral appliance therapy is not suitable for everyone, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Skrobanek because of his expertise in dental sleep medicine is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for his patients with sleep apnea.

Are You a Candidate for Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance Therapy?

Talk to Dr. Skrobanek and the GPS Dental team about treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you. Get help today to improve your sleep and your health!

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers affordable dental care for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Impacts Your Health in More Ways than Snoring!

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on March 21, 2023

Sleep Apnea impacts your health in more ways that just snoring! According to estimates, 50 million to 70 million people in the U.S. have ongoing sleep disorders and sleep apnea is extremely common with over 18 million adults experiencing a form of sleep apnea every night according to the National Sleep Foundation. Sleep apnea can be caused from multiple factors, such as obesity, large tonsils, a small airway, smoking, alcohol use, and more. Whatever the reason of sleep apnea, it causes pauses of breathing during a sleep cycle. This means that when you have sleep apnea, you could be waking up multiple times throughout the night and losing sleep.

What happens to your body when you sleep (or try to sleep)?

As you rest, your body becomes less tense because your muscles relax. Sleep is the time when your body heals and repairs itself to prepare you for the following day. However, Sleep Apnea impacts your health and can cause sleep to be problematic, because it limits their ability to rest and restore their bodies properly.

Primary symptoms of the disorder are irregular breathing, excessive snoring, and occasional breaks or pauses in breathing, which occur due to the complete relaxation of the throat muscles or airway blockage.

Other symptoms may include:

constant fatigue
depression
chronic headaches
high blood pressure
obesity
complications during pregnancy

If these symptoms are left dismissed, and sleep apnea persists, heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, death, and other serious health issues can result.

It may even be indicative of other serious underlying health issues such as:

diabetes
neurological illness
mental illness
heart disease

Want to know more about SLEEP?? Here are 100 Sleep Statistics, including facts and data about sleep in 2023, according to SleepFoundation.org.

Big Three: Types of Sleep Apnea

While usually following a similar pattern, identifying and classifying your specific type of sleep apnea is indeed a crucial part of resolving the disorder, as sleep apnea impacts your health, can have multiple causes, and can manifest itself in several different variations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive sleep (or OSA) apnea is without doubt, the most common form of sleep apnea, as it affects approximately 3.6 million Americans today. However, despite such staggering statistics, it is believed that only 10% of those suffering from OSA recognize the symptoms and actively seek treatment for the condition, thereby leaving most suffers untreated.

Some of the signs and symptoms of OSA are:

Noticeably loud snoring
Headaches
Dry mouth
Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness throughout the day
Repeated shortness of breath (abrupt awakenings) while asleep

Generally, the root cause of OSA, is attributed to relaxation of muscles while asleep, during which the tongue may cause a partial blockage of a person’s airway.

Central Sleep Apnea:

As opposed to being something of a mechanical problem like OSA, central sleep apnea (or CSA) is more of a muscle signal or miscommunication problem that originates within the brainstem. Although considerably less prevalent than OSA, CSA should not be taken lightly as it may likely be indicative of serious underlying health issues such as heart failure or Parkinson’s Disease.

Common symptoms of CSA may include:

Chronic fatigue
Poor concentration
Depression
Snoring
Shortness of breath
Repeated abrupt awaking

With the central nervous system compromised, both voluntary and involuntary muscle movement becomes increasingly restricted, therefore causing interruptions in involuntary actions such as breathing. This can be particularly problematic during sleep, as the suffer may repeatedly experience abrupt awakenings while attempting to rest, as a natural reaction to the sudden lack of oxygen.

Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome:

The final and as its name implies, most severe and advanced form of sleep apnea is complex or mixed sleep apnea syndrome. Complex sleep apnea (or perhaps more appropriately referred to as Mixed Sleep Apnea) is a combination for both OSA and CSA, and typically presents symptoms of both. Often in the cases of complex sleep apnea, a sufferer should seek immediate treatment as the standard of living with this condition may deteriorate rapidly. (e.g. going for too long without the adequate amount of sleep).

A Review of Sleep Apnea Symptoms

When you lose sleep due to sleep apnea, you can experience a multitude of symptoms. We often associate loud snoring with sleep apnea, as it is sometimes a sign of breathing issues. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it may be time to talk with your doctor and your dentist about sleep apnea. Are you beginning to understand why Sleep Apnea impacts your health?

Information from the Mayo Clinic and Types of Sleep Apnea.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms:

Loud snoring
Excessive sleepiness and fatigue throughout the day
Trouble concentrating
Gasping for air during sleep
Dry mouth
Headaches in the morning after waking up
Depression
Irritability

If these sleep apnea symptoms are left untreated for a long period of time, they could lead to more serious health complications, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and more.

More on Sleep Apnea Symptoms from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Are Children Affected by Sleep Apnea?

The short answer is: YES!! According to sleepforkids.org, 13 percent of children from ages 6 to 11 are overweight. While these age groups should be getting between 10-11 hours of sleep per night, obesity can cause these numbers to go down due to sleep apnea. So, what exactly is sleep apnea and how is it affecting our children? And for children, can sleep apnea impacts your health too?

Can children develop sleep apnea? Read more HERE.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

The overall success in treating sleep apnea remains relatively high; however, the rate of success depends heavily on finding the exact cause of the disorder and selecting the best method of treatment.

Various causes can contribute to sleep apnea. However, one of the most common causes of this disorder is obesity; as fat deposits that accumulate around the neck place pressure on the throat, limiting the body’s ability to breathe sufficiently. Large tonsils are also a cause of sleep apnea as they tend to obstruct the passage of air into and out of the body.

Other sleep apnea causes include premature births and genetic syndromes that impact facial structures such as congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Heart and kidney failure, PCOS, hypothyroidism, and conditions that interfere with the brain’s signals can also contribute to a person’s development of sleep apnea.

Related Article: How Would You Know if You Suffer from Sleep Apnea?

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

If you are experiencing the common symptoms of sleep apnea, your dentist or doctor may ask you to participate in a sleep study to monitor your breathing throughout the night. They may ask you about your medical history or perform a physical exam to reach a diagnosis. Remember, more than your sleep can be affected by sleep apnea.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, there are multiple treatment options for sleep apnea, including:

Weight loss
Surgery
Mouthpieces
Breathing devices
Mouth therapy

Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or a mouth guard, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea and snoring. At GPS Dental, we know Sleep Apnea impacts your health and we take sleep apnea very seriously. Our FDA-approved mouthguards can help open your airway and support your jaw when sleeping. Talk to Dr. Skrobanek to see what treatment is right for you and begin your path to a better night’s sleep!

Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea from Healthline.

Sleep Apnea Snoring is a Bigger Problem than Just Snoring

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on June 28, 2022

Have you ever nudged your partner in bed because they were snoring up a storm? Turns out, loud snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea – a very common problem in American adults. In fact, millions of Americans deal with snoring while sleeping. Of course, not all snorers have sleep apnea, but it’s also a great warning sign to get checked out.

Learn more about Snoring from The Mayo Clinic

Is it Sleep Apnea or Just Snoring?

It helps to do your research and know the difference between normal snoring and sleep apnea snoring.

Regular Snoring

Snoring happens because the tissues in the throat relax and partially block the airway. Then the tissues vibrate, causing the snoring sound we all know. Your anatomy and lifestyle factors, like alcohol consumption and weight, can determine the way you snore.

Sleep Apnea Snoring

Often, frequent and loud snoring is a major indicator of sleep apnea. When you experience sleep apnea snoring, your body takes multiple breathing pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. If someone with sleep apnea falls asleep, they could experience breathing pauses up to 10 seconds or even up to a minute. Obesity, large tonsils, or large tongues can also be contributing causes of sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

You can also look for other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea that include:

Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Sore throat when wakening
Restless sleep
Choking or gasping at night
Chest pain at night
High blood pressure
Disruptive snoring
Poor attention span

Sleep Apnea Treatments can Protect Your Health

It’s so important to talk with your dentist and your doctor to determine treatment for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Sleep apnea treatments range from oral appliances, nasal strips, breathing machines, and even surgery, and it’s important not to underestimate the risks of leaving sleep apnea untreated. Many health complications, such as high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and more, can arise due to sleep apnea. Talk to Dr. Skrobanek and the GPS Dental team about treatment options for sleep apnea and sleep apnea snoring. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you.

GPS Dental Can Help

Research shows that oral appliance therapy, or wearing a mouth guard while you sleep, is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea snoring. More than 100 oral appliances have received FDA clearance and Dr. Skrobanek will recommend the device that is best for you. Oral appliance therapy is also covered by many medical insurance plans.

Related Article:

GPS Dental can Protect Your Smile

Now you know more about how mouthguards protect your smile and your health! It’s also important to stay up to date on your cleanings and routine visits with Dr. Skrobanek. In the meantime, having a strong and steady oral health routine – brushing twice a day and flossing once – is the best thing you can do for your oral health!

Don’t let Sleep Apnea compromise your health, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Skrobanek at 210-633-3477.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek and his experienced, friendly team at GPS Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at (210) 633-3477 to make an appointment.

Sleep Apnea Causes, Symptoms and Cures

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on January 8, 2019

sleep-apnea-causes

Sleep is vital for good health. It allows the body to heal and restore itself. Without rest, people are unable to function. Sleep apnea is a condition that limits the rest people get because they are woken up repeatedly throughout the night by their inability to breathe.

When sleep apnea persists, it is incredibly disruptive to the lifestyle of not only the sufferer but the people within their household as well. Continue reading to discover sleep apnea causes, symptoms, and cures.

What Are Sleep Apnea Causes?

Various causes can contribute to sleep apnea. However, one of the most common sleep apnea causes of this disorder is obesity, as fat deposits that accumulate around the neck place pressure on the throat, limiting the body’s ability to breathe sufficiently. Large tonsils are also a cause of sleep apnea as they tend to obstruct the passage of air into and out of the body.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is divided into two main forms: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs during the period of rest when the body and its muscles begin to relax. As relaxation sets in, the throat collapses, and for those with sleep apnea, the airway is blocked. Once the airway is blocked, the person cannot breathe and is awoken.

Central sleep apnea is the brain failing to communicate with the muscles responsible for breathing. This type of sleep apnea is an indication that the body is not fully coordinated, and something is amiss, as the brain is unable to control breathing properly.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

An array of symptoms will present themselves with sleep apnea. You may notice that you or a loved one experience:

Loud and persistent snoring
Insomnia & poor sleep
Frequent tiredness
Moments of silence accompanied with choking or gasping while sleeping
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating while awake

How Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?

Receiving treatment for sleep apnea is imperative. Disregarding the condition can cause extensive health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and more.

You can try oral appliances to control this disorder. Your dentist may suggest a mouth guard that can be worn at night to support the jaw, limit any obstructions of the airway, and allow you to breathe correctly while sleeping.

GPS Dental Can Help Those with Sleep Apnea

If you are suffering from sleep apnea and are seeking treatment, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek. For more information on how you can benefit from an oral appliance while sleeping, contact GPS Dental. Our professionals look forward to speaking with you.

Dr. Gary P. Skrobanek’s experienced and friendly team at GPS Dental offers family dentistry for all ages in San Antonio, TX area. Our Brooks City Base dentist office is conveniently located and offers early morning appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At GPS Dental, we promote dental health awareness to our patients and provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to dental implants, sleep apnea, TMJ / TMD Treatment, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at 210-633-3477 to make an appointment.

How Would You Know if You Suffer from Sleep Apnea?

Posted by Genny Skrobanek on November 13, 2018

sleep-apnea

Do You Suffer from Sleep Apnea?

How Would You Know and What Can You Do?

Sleep apnea affects many people. It is a condition marked by the continual cessation of breathing while sleeping. This interruption in a person’s breathing is often caused by the obstruction of the upper airway, known as obstructive sleep apnea. It is also caused by central sleep apnea, which is the brain’s inability to signal muscles to continue breathing while you rest.

Do you suffer from sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a severe sleeping disorder that if left ignored, can result in sudden cardiac death.

Sleep is crucial to your well being, and you will notice adverse impacts to your health if sleep apnea continues. If you believe you are dealing with this disorder and wish to discover more information about it, then keep reading to learn symptoms and treatments.

What Are the Symptoms and Health Concerns of Sleep Apnea?

As you rest, your body becomes less tense because your muscles relax. Sleep is the time when your body heals and repairs itself to prepare you for the following day. However, sleeping for some can be problematic especially for those with sleep apnea, as it limits their ability to rest and restore their bodies properly.

Constant fatigue
Depression
Chronic headaches
High blood pressure
Obesity

If these symptoms are left dismissed, and sleep apnea persists, heart failure, heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, death, and other serious health issues can result.

What Can I Do to Cure Sleep Apnea?

There are treatments available to combat the difficulties of sleep apnea. One of the most common forms is the CPAP mask. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is used to deliver continuous air pressure to the throat, eliminating the blockage of breath that results when the throat collapses. This apparatus has proven to be beneficial for many sufferers of sleep apnea.

An alternative to the CPAP mask is the use of a mouth guard, which closely resembles a sports mouth guard. A Mandibular Advancement Device, or a MAD mouthguard, is designed to realign the jaw. For those with obstructive sleep apnea, this device aids in preventing any obstruction of airflow. It provides better sleep and limits symptoms of loud snoring, wheezing, cessation of breathing, and other factors that impede a successful night’s rest.

GPS Dental Can Help Alleviate the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

At GPS Dental, our professionals are fully trained and equipped to help patients suffering from sleep apnea. Dr. Gary Skrobanek is a member of the San Antonio District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, and American Dental Association. Dr. Skrobanek also has a membership with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a society that studies dental therapies for sleep disturbances. With this level of expertise in sleep disorders, GPS Dental is prepared to treat all cases of sleep apnea. If you’d like to book an appointment or gain more insight into this condition, contact us.