Sleep Apnea Treatment in Canton

Sleep Apnea- Canton Dental

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep Apnea- Canton Dental

In this diagram you can see how the airway collapses at the back of the throat, impeding the flow of air into the lungs. This is “Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Image credit: Wikemedia Commons.

Sleep Apnea is the condition of multiple pauses in breathing for 10 plus seconds at a time during sleep. Symptoms include heavy snoring and tiredness during the day.

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, (OSA). It is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.

Dr. Goch treats sleep apnea using oral appliances. This is a proven and reliable method for the treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea, recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

If you think you may suffer from sleep apnea, Dr. Goch will thoroughly investigate this during a comprehensive exam.

Typical symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Sleep Apnea- Canton Dental
  • Snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • Impaired concentration
  • Decreased sex drive

Health problems linked to sleep apnea

Due to impaired breathing during the night, the body can suffer from a lack of oxygen. Many possible complications can come about due to oxygen deprivation to vital organs and an impairment of normal hormonal function. These include:

  • High blood pressure.
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Weight gain

Free screening tests for sleep apnea

You can take these simple on-line tests to see if you may be at risk from sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapySleep Apnea- Canton Dental

Traditionally sleep apnea has been treated by the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a machine that streams air into the nose or nose and mouth via a mask. While effective, 50% of patients find they can’t tolerate CPAP treatment.

For less serious cases of sleep apnea, Oral Appliance Therapy is often used as it is far more comfortable than the CPAP. Statistics show that sleep apnea sufferers are far more likely to stick to this therapy than the traditional one due to its simplicity and comfort.

An oral appliance is designed to keep the airway open to allow for air to pass. The device comfortably holds the lower jaw in a forward position, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

Dr. Goch will design and have it custom made to fit you comfortably.

To make an appointment, call 770.479.5425 or click here to request an appointment online.