Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by an interruption in breathing while sleeping, typically one or more times a night for 10 seconds or more. This interruption is due to a blockage in the airway somewhere between the back of your mouth and throat.

OSA causes your breathing to stop from a few times to several hundred times each night. Breathing may stop for a few seconds or up to a minute. The lack of even, consistent breathing causes the oxygen level in your bloodstream to fall.

This lack of oxygen can cause generalized fatigue and contribute significantly to chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, and depression.

What are symptoms of OSA?

Someone with OSA often snores heavily or loudly, then suddenly stops breathing. Their partner may observe that they seem to be struggling to breathe for a time, and then suddenly inhale deeply, making gasping or choking noises. They may also have daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, and memory loss.

Diagnosis of OSA is based on your symptoms and the results of an overnight sleep study, which is typically ordered by your medical doctor.

What treatments are available for OSA?

Your medical physician may suggest weight loss, exercise, surgery, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat your OSA.

For some, these treatments are not sufficient to treat OSA. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an alternative treatment that uses a customized oral device specially designed by Dr. Cetel and his team.

How can OAT help with obstructive sleep apnea?

Oral appliance therapy is used to treat snoring and the underlying causes of your OSA. It may be used alone or in combination with other OSA treatments.

A customized oral device is placed in your mouth while you sleep, preventing obstruction by:

• Repositioning the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and throat
• Supporting the lower jaw and tongue
• Improving the muscle tone of the tongue

Dr. Cetel and his team work closely with your medical physician to select, design, and fit you for your OAT. Your dental and medical teams work together to determine which device is best suited for your needs, and to provide effective, ongoing treatment for your OSA.

For a consultation and oral appliance therapy to treat your obstructive sleep apnea, call or book an appointment online with Dr. Cetel today.