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Treating Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment is Available at Honolulu Hawaii with Dr. Keri Do

Affecting millions of Americans annually, sleep apnea is the involuntary cessation of breathing while sleeping. Often, the condition goes undiagnosed and untreated as patients are asleep and partners or family members confuse the breathing pattern with heavy snoring. Honolulu dentist Dr. Keri Do specializes in treating sleep apnea patients with non-invasive oral appliances. 

Differentiating between Sleep Apnea and Snoring

It is important to note that while sleep apnea patients may exhibit heavy snoring, not all snoring is caused by sleep apnea. In general, snoring is caused by the relaxation of the tissues at the back of the throat during sleep. Relaxation causes these tissues to partially block airflow, causing the vibrations and snoring sounds.

In the most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is characterized by the complete collapse of tissues at the back of the throat during sleep, thus completely obstructing airflow. Attempts to compensate for the closure lead to the signature deep snoring as well as the choking or gasping as sufferers try to inhale.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

In addition to the complete blockage of the air pathways seen in OSA, sleep apnea can be caused by neurological signaling failures as demonstrated by central sleep apnea (CSA). While not as frequent as OSA, CSA prevents the brain from sending the correct nerve signal that initiates deep breathing. To reinitiate breathing, the brain wakes the body, causing patients to wake frequently throughout the night. 

Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea 

While sleep apnea can happen to anyone at any age, there are certain associated risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Among these risk factors include obesity, substance abuse and smoking, genetic predisposition, anatomy, age, and gender. 

Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea

Failure to diagnose and fully treat sleep apnea can lead to a number of secondary yet serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular distress, and sleep deprivation. Sleep apnea diagnosis is conducted through a comprehensive sleep study. Performed overnight at a sleep center lab or at home with special equipment, brain and muscle activity, breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored by sleep specialists while the patient is asleep.  

Treating Sleep Apnea in Honolulu

Depending on your general physician’s recommendation, you may be prescribed a non-invasive sleep apnea treatment such as continuous positive air pathway (CPAP) therapy or an oral appliance. While CPAP therapy is highly effective, it may not be a suitable solution for all patients.

Nowadays, the treatment of sleep apnea is a CPAP, a dental sleep apnea appliance, or orthognathic surgery. The CPAP is prescribed by a physician which blows continuous air down your throat while you sleep. This air forces the soft tissue to open up so air can enter but it does not change the size of the airway which is the main cause of sleep apnea. The dental sleep apnea appliance or  MRA (mandibular repositioning appliance) is another option. When worn, this appliance moves the bottom jaw forward, thereby opening up your airway while you sleep. This is an effective solution but long-term studies have not been out to show some side effects of its long term usage. Orthognathic surgery is another option. This is where an oral surgeon or one referred by an orthodontist or dentist, will surgically cut the top (maxilla) and bottom jaw (mandible) and move both forward. This if effective long term but is quite invasive and costly.  Dr. Keri Do has a much more conservative but effective approach. You are welcome to set up a consultation and find out our proven methods so you canto see for yourself how we can help you. 

Unlike other sleep disorders, treating sleep apnea requires coordination between multiple medical fields, including dentistry. Dr. Keri Do is dedicated to helping Honolulu patients treat sleep apnea through non-invasive treatments. Dr. Do has helped sleep apnea patients receive effective treatment, regaining lost sleep. If you are suffering from sleep apnea,  contact us today for a consultation.