Diagnosing and Treating OSA

Do you have trouble sleeping? For over ten million people in the United States, obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, makes obtaining a good night’s rest difficult. Fortunately, at The Silverstrom Group, we offer the treatment necessary to help you rest easy. Your Livingston dentists, Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom, can identify the factors behind your sleep apnea and offer comfortable and minimally invasive treatment.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during their sleep. This happens due to soft tissue in the back of the throat obstructing airflow. The brain becomes deprived of oxygen, and must wake the person up. For some sleep apnea sufferers, this cycle happens hundreds of times each night. As a result, patients report exhaustion and daytime drowsiness. Others find themselves waking up gasping for air or choking. Chronic snoring is also a common symptom of sleep apnea. Without treatment, patients with sleep apnea experience an increased risk of high blood pressure, depression, heart attack, and stroke.
What Causes OSA?
A variety of factors can lead to airway obstruction, including:
· Obesity
· Age
· Overly large tongue or tonsils
· Relaxed throat muscles
If you have trouble sleeping and believe your issues may be related to obstructive sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with yourLivingston dentists as soon as possible.
What Sleep Apnea Treatments Do My Livingston Dentists Offer?
After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom will recommend the best treatment option to address you sleep apnea. Some patients may only require simple lifestyle changes, including weight loss, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed. For more severe cases, Dr. David or Gary Silverstrom may prescribe an oral appliance. Similar in appearance to a night guard, this device moves the jaw forward to keep airways open. As a result, you can breathe easy during sleep. This reduces sleep apnea symptoms and helps you finally get the sleep you need.
About Dr. David Silverstrom and Dr. Gary Silverstrom: The Silverstrom Dental Group provides the latest in comprehensive dental care for patients in Livingston, NJ and surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 797-9345.