Sleep Apnea is the temporary stoppage of breathing during sleep.  There are three types of apnea: obstructive, central and mixed; of the three, obstructive is the most common.  People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during the night, maybe hundreds of times.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage in the airway, usually when soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.  Our muscles relax during sleep and then gravity pulls the airway closed.  Momentary suffocation develops producing excessive stress on the body.  OSA is highly correlated with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.  OSA is also associated with daytime sleepiness, headaches, memory loss, mood changes, relationship disturbances and decreased libido.

Snoring: Most of us don’t think of snoring as something to be overly concerned about.  However, frequent loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea. 

Recognizing a Sleep Disorder

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may suffer from a sleep disorder:

• Daytime fatigue
• Morning drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Gasping for breath in the middle of the night
• Snoring

Sleep apnea affects an estimated 25 million adults, and despite growing awareness of the severe consequences of untreated OSA, 90% of sleep apnea patients are still undiagnosed.

Oral Sleep Appliance: Drs. Emery and Scuro we can offer sleep apnea patients an alternative to a CPAP machine.  Our sleep appliances provide a more personalized and less intrusive treatment to specifically fit each patient so that they can enjoy better sleep with more freedom.  The appliance moves the lower jaw forward and holds it there while the patient sleeps.  In doing this, the tongue is also pulled forward and is prevented from falling back and occluding the airway.  This appliance worn during the night helps to maintain an open airway, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

• Less intrusive than a CPAP
• Patients can open and close their mouth
• Easily adjusts
• Permits drinking and yawning
• Durable
• Opening allows for more air intake

Left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to:

• High blood pressure                     
• Weight gain
• Memory problems                          
• Headaches
• Impotence                                       
• Depression
• Cardiovascular disease

Studies indicate untreated sleep disorders may be responsible for job impairment and car accidents.

Mild to moderate sleep apnea patients are well treated by an oral appliance.  The most severe patients are best helped with CPAP.  However, the non-compliant server patients should consider an oral appliance.

Oral sleep appliances are Medicare approved and covered by most medical insurance policies.  If you feel you have any of these symptoms call the dental office of Dr. Emery and Scuro DMD for an evaluation at (585)247-7110. 

Additionally, we provide full dental care for individuals, families, and children:

• General Dentistry
• Implants & Implant Dentures
• Orthodontics
• Emergency Care
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Laser Periodontal Therapy

 We take great steps to ensure that your experience in our office is a pleasant and rewarding one – from our courteous, professional staff to our comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.