Daniel R. Vodvarka, DDS, FAGD
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a patient unconsciously stops breathing for a period time (usually around 10 seconds) in their sleep due to a narrowed, blocked, or sagging airway. Every muscle in your body relaxes during sleep, including those that work to keep your airways open to allow air to flow into your lungs. For most of us, the upper throat stays open, and we never even notice a change. However, those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea may have a narrower throat and will face difficulty breathing while asleep.
These patients often snore as a result of the air attempting to make its way through the narrowed, relaxed, and/or blocked airway. Because these patients tend to experience significantly less restful sleep, they are often irritable, forgetful, and overtired.
Obstructive sleep apnea is typically treated using a corrective mouthpiece to be worn during sleep. These devices help keep the jaw forward to alleviate the narrowing of the airway. Dr. Vodvarka or Dr. Sutter will discuss your specific case in detail and make recommendations accordingly. Sometimes simply losing weight, avoiding alcohol or sedatives at bedtime, and not sleeping on your back can prevent obstructive sleep apnea. But when necessary, we’ll gladly suggest and fit you for a mouthpiece or discuss the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) method with you.
Drs. Ben Sutter and Daniel Vodvarka provide comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry to residents of Eugene, OR, and the surrounding communities of Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, and Roseberg. Call us today to reserve an appointment for expert care and personalized attention.