Dr. Paulette Pillersdorf
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Therapy
​
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
SomnoDent Oral Appliance
Snoring and sleepiness should not be ignored
Sleep apnea affects 1 in every 5 people. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious and chronic (lifelong) medical condition that can affect your sleep, health, and quality of life.
​
OSA has been linked to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, work and driving-related accidents. It also places strain on relationships between bed partners and family members. Talking to your doctor about sleep problems is critical.
Open Airway
Obstructed Airway
While we sleep, gravity and muscle relaxation allows the tongue and surrounding soft tissue to fall back into the throat area, collapsing the airway and obstructing the air flow.
​
​
Oral appliances, are worn in the mouth and fit over the upper and lower teeth. SomnoDent oral devices treat OSA by moving the lower jaw slightly forward. This forward movement keeps the airway open, preventing apneas during sleep.
SomnoDent Oral Appliance
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Am I At Risk? Know The Signs Of OSA
-
Waking up with a very sore or dry throat
-
Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation
-
Sleepiness while driving
-
Recurrent awakenings or insomnia
-
Loud Snoring
-
Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
-
Restless sleep
-
Morning headaches
-
You have diabetes or other health problems
Find Out If You May Have OSA
Score Yes = 1 ; No = 0
-
Do you snore loudly? y/n
-
Do you often feel tired or fatigued after sleep? y/n
-
Has anyone noticed you quit breathing during sleep? y/n
-
Are you being treated for high blood pressure? y/n
-
Are you over 50 years old? y/n
-
Is your BMI over 25? y/n
-
Is your neck size over 17 inches (for male) or 16 inches (for female?) y/n
-
Are you male? y/n
High risk of OSA if scored 3 or higher
Are You At Risk? Know The Signs And Find Out
Testing for OSA
A physician will order either an in-lab or home sleep test to evaluate your condition. Only a physician can diagnose you with sleep apnea, using the results from your sleep test.
​
In addition to losing weight and exercising, your physician may recommend a CPAP machine or oral device therapy. Which oral device therapy is your choice - your physician will refer you to a dentist trained in sleep medicine.
Treatment of OSA
The sleep dentist will assess your dental health to determine if you are a qualified candidate for an oral device. If the answer is yes, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and order your device for you. As your sleep dentist we can also help you understand your sleep apnea insurance coverage.
​
In order to assess how well your treatment is working, we will schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician a few months after starting treatment
Testing And Treatment Of OSA
