Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious condition which causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep . There are several types of sleep apnea, of which the most common one is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This happens when something partly or completely blocks your upper airway during sleep. That makes your diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp, snort, or body jerk. You may not sleep well, but you probably won't be aware that this is happening.
The condition can also reduce the flow of essential oxygen to vital organs and cause medical problems like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, stroke, diabetes, depression, daytime tiredness and fatigue, irritability. Sleep apnea in children can also cause inability to concentrate, attention deficit disorders, grinding of teeth, bed wetting , restlessness during sleep etc.
Causes of OSA
Patients suffering from OSA lose their breath because the tongue falls back and blocks their upper airway. It happens because the muscles at the back of the throat over-relax, letting the tongue slip from its place. Breathing disruptions, sometimes happening up to 30 times in a given night, can cause a dip in the level of oxygen in the blood, and in turn, lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide. The rest of what happens, including the clenching of the teeth and the subsequent pain in the jaw, are a result of the body’s compensatory reaction — the brain telling the jaw to move forward to clear the airway. When the jaw moves, it forces the teeth into a clench, thereby causing pain.
Diagnosis of OSA
OSA is detected through a physical examination and through a documentation of the patient’s health history. During the physical exam the doctor does the following:
- Study the back of the throat, mouth and nose for extra tissue or abnormalities; measure the neck and waist circumference, and look out for weight imbalance
- Study airway blockages through an X-ray called Lateral Cephalogram
- Study a 3D part by part visual of the airway through CBCT imaging
- Examine the mouth from inside and outside
- Examine the posture and
- Study — while the patient sleeps — his airflow; blood oxygen levels; breathing patterns; electrical activity of the brain; eye movements; heart rate; muscle activity and snoring.
Why come to Us
The Dental Care is a reputed centre for the diagnosis and treatment of OSA. At The Right Bite, the patient can find the following advantages:
- Doctors who are experts in treating OSA
- Availability of a variety of correction appliances that are crafted to suit each patient and
- Excellent patient care and support services
