High Tech Analysis of Your Airway
SleepAlliance uses the latest technology available for upper airway analysis. From a very low dose cone bean (3-D) X-ray, we will be able to measure the volume of airway breathing space, allowing him to predict what you can expect from his therapies! Using an evidence-based approach to improve success for our patients is precisely what sets our practice apart from others. If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial please mention this during your consultation.
Low Tech Approach to Patient Care
With a personalized method of patient we make certain you understand all of the information needed to ensure you receive the treatment that works for you. For years Sleep Alliance has enjoyed creating an environment that’s comfortable for patients, where you can have your obstructive sleep apnea successfully treated to improve your quality of life. Going above and beyond for each patient is just part of what makes our dental sleep medicine practice so exceptional.
It’s remarkable how many unfavorable effects snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea is capable of having in all aspects of your life. You may have to endure emotional, psychological, and physiological consequences in addition to not experiencing sound sleep. We’re dedicated to using Oral Appliance Therapy to treat OSA 100% of the time in our practice—it’s all we do. If you have problems with snoring or have received a sleep apnea diagnosis, call or email us right away.
We offer:
Referral for Home Sleep Testing
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Coordination of OAT with Your Medical Doctor and Medical Insurance Carrier
Cleaning Solutions
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Snoring and OSA
Snoring and OSA are common problems that can affect your sleep, health and have a significant impact on your quality of life. Often snoring is a symptom of OSA, caused by changes in your upper airway while you sleep. Your airway may narrow, limiting air flow as you breathe. Your soft tissue may vibrate (this is commonly known as snoring), or it may completely collapse, causing you to stop breathing. Collapsing of the soft tissue is called an Obstructive Apnea, and may last for 10 seconds or more. Your airway may even move through all three stages during the night.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Your Risk Factor
Stroke
Diabetes
Obesity
Memory loss
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Driving and work-related accidents
Depression
Morning headaches
Irritability
Decreased sex drive
What should I do if I have one or more of these symptoms?
A consultation at SleepAlliance, including a thorough sleep history evaluation and basic oral exam, is often the first step in evaluating you for any sleep disorder including OSA. If it is determined that you may need a more detailed assessment, Dr. Odom may have you complete a 1-3 day sleep study from your own home. This test records your heartbeat, respiratory effort, airflow, blood oxygen levels, and breathing during an entire night. In addition to your primary care physician, pulmonologists, neurologists, and other physicians with specialty training in sleep disorders may be involved in making a definitive diagnosis. Sleep apnea is easily diagnosed and must not be ignored.
What are my treatment options?
1. Lifestyle Changes
Weight Loss
Over the Counter Medication: Nasal steroids and Sleep aids
Improved Sleep Hygiene
Weight loss should be recommended for all overweight OSA patients, and should be combined with a primary treatment for OSA (CPAP or oral appliance) due to the low success rate of dietary programs and the low cure rate by dietary approach alone.
2. Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) that treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This movement tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which prevents obstruction while you sleep.
3. CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is worn at night while sleeping and is applied through a tube and mask that covers the nose. The tube and mask is attached to a pump that generates air pressure which splints the structures in the back of the throat, holding the airway open during sleep.
4. Surgery
There are several different surgical procedures with varying degrees of success. The intention of surgery is to create a more open airway so obstructions are less likely to occur. Surgery can be quite invasive and sometimes worsen the apnea. One surgical procedure is the removal of the soft palate including the uvula and excess tissue.
5. Airway Exercises
Pharyngeal exercise has been shown by a limited number of investigations to show an improvement in sleep apnea and snoring.
