Lynne S. Gerlach, DDS a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), is committed to offering an alternative treatment for people suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA affects approximately 18 million Americans, causing them to stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds, sometimes for one minute or longer, hundreds of times a night.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale - click here to take self test
Facts about Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- OSA can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness as well as an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity and driving accidents.
- Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of adults with OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.
- OSA with resulting daytime sleepiness occurs in at least 4 percent of men and 2 percent of women.
- Scientific studies have shown the approximately 25 percent to 50 percent of patients with OSA are unable to comply with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the standard treatment therapy, or do not tolerate it, leaving a large number of OSA patients that dentists can help with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
- OAT involved the customized selection, fabrication, fitting, adjustments, and long term follow-up care of specially designed oral devices, worn during sleep, which reposition the lower jaw and tongue forward to maintain a more open upper airway. Oral appliances look similar to mouth guards, but should be selected and fitted by a dentist trained in Dental Sleep Medicine to maintain unobstructed breathing during sleep.
- Warning signs of OSA include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, morning headaches, poor memory and mood changes.
- Video (AADSM)
