It’s So Much More Than Just A Snore

If you’ve been having trouble sleeping, you feel drowsy during the daytime, or your sleeping partner has been commenting on loud snoring, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects about 30 million adults in the United States alone, and many people are unaware they suffer from this condition. As a Qualified Dentist of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Molly Rosen can provide the expert care you need to overcome sleep apnea, sleep soundly, and protect your overall health.

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What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

There are multiple types of sleep apnea, but the most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or OSA for short. In OSA, the soft tissues of the mouth and throat relax during sleep. This blocks the airway temporarily, usually for at least 10 seconds.

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This stops you from breathing properly, which affects respiration and blood oxygenation. In the short term, sleep apnea usually leads to poor quality sleep, daytime drowsiness, and changes in mood. But in the long term, these nighttime interruptions to breathing can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

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What Are The Signs That I May Have Sleep Apnea?

Everyone is different, and not everyone shows the same signs of sleep apnea. However, there are some common symptoms that you can look for if you think that you may have sleep apnea in Philadelphia.

• Loud snoring broken up by periods of interrupted breathing
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Frequently waking up with a gasping or choking feeling at night
• A sore throat or dry mouth when you wake up in the morning
• Feeling tired even after a full night of sleep
• Morning headaches
• Daytime drowsiness or falling asleep when driving
• Irritability and mood changes
• Decreased libido (sex drive)

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If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, you may need to see a sleep specialist for a sleep study. After reviewing your sleep study, your physician can determine whether or not you have sleep apnea.

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Sleep Apnea Treatment With Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

There are a variety of ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea, including CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines. But as a Qualified Dentist of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Molly Rosen focuses on oral appliance therapy (OAT). With oral appliance therapy, you can enjoy a simpler, more convenient way to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea.

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Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

Oral appliance therapy uses a specially designed mouth guard that you will wear at night. This mouth guard is designed to gently shift your jaw into a healthier position when you sleep. In turn, this prevents soft tissue from sagging into your airway and interrupting your breathing at night.

Oral appliance therapy is a great option for most patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It can even be used in severe cases along with a CPAP machine to provide better airflow while reducing CPAP pressure.

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The benefits of OAT for sleep apnea

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• Powerful symptom relief – When tested in real-world conditions, oral appliance therapy has been proven to be just as effective as CPAP machines for improving sleep quality in patients with sleep apnea.
• Incredibly convenient – Oral appliances are very easy to use, transport, and maintain. There is no complex machinery, no batteries or power outlets required, and no complicated setup. Just put your mouth guard in before you sleep, take it out in the morning, and clean it. That’s it!
• No loud noises – Even with advancements in CPAP, these machines can be quite loud. This may disturb your sleep or that of your sleeping partner. OAT, on the other hand, is completely silent.
• Maintain sleeping position – Wearing a CPAP machine usually requires some adjustments to your sleeping position. But with oral appliance therapy, you won’t usually have to make any significant adjustments to the way you sleep.

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Come To The Office Of Dr. Molly Rosen For A Consultation

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed by a physician or you’re still not sure if you have sleep apnea in Philadelphia, Dr. Molly Rosen is here to provide you with the expert care you need. As a Certificant in the AADSM, Dr. Rosen is an expert in providing safe, effective, and convenient oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. So don’t wait, and don’t let poor sleep affect your quality of life. Give us a call at (215) 402-6910 or contact us online to book your first visit with Dr. Rosen and get the relief you need.