Sleep Better - Live Longer.
A member of the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines, Dr. Ocean has participated in specialized training and education for sleep therapy to help patients manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). His dental-based practice differs from traditional apnea management in that non-surgical oral appliance therapy is utilized instead of conventional breathing machines like CPAP, which are difficult for many patients to use. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, Dr. Ocean would be happy to provide a consultation to see if you are a candidate for this specialized sleep apnea treatment.
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA
Non-restful sleep
Excessive daytime fatigue
Morning headache
Migraine headache
Clenching and grinding of the teeth
Acid reflux disease
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Depression
Diabetes
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is one of the most misunderstood health concerns today. Although many people think of it as a snoring disorder, it is far more serious. The word “apnea” means “cessation of breathing.” To stop breathing while asleep, usually from an obstruction in or collapse of your upper airway, is called “sleep apnea.” The health results can be devastating.
LEVELS OF SLEEP APNEA
Normal: During normal sleep the muscles that control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open.
Snoring: When these muscles relax, the airway narrows. This can lead to snoring and breathing difficulties.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): If the muscles relax too much, the airway can collapse and become blocked, causing air flow and breathing to stop.
PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Heavy snoring is often a sign, especially if associated with periods of no breathing followed by gasping or choking sounds. One may often feel excessively fatigued early in the day. Sleep apnea, if not managed properly, has been shown to increase the rate of atherosclerosis formation resulting in greater risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is also associated with high blood pressure, blood sugar control problems and more. It can decrease life expectancy by ten to twenty years.
TREATMENT
Dr. Ocean provides a dental alternative to conventional apnea management techniques. Instead of CPAP or other pressure breathing machines, your apnea is controlled by using oral dilator devices (oral appliances), which open the airway by gently moving your lower jaw forward while you sleep. The effectiveness is well proven and is suggested as first line therapy for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
A UNITED EFFORT TO KEEP YOU WELL
Dr. Ocean participates fully with your physician to help manage your sleep apnea disorder. Oral appliance therapy is a departure from conventional dentistry, requiring a specialized program to co-manage the patient with physicians, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, sleep physicians, general practice physicians and ENTs.
Although Dr. Ocean can provide screening examinations and testing services, it is necessary for a physician to provide an initial diagnosis prior to treatment.
MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE
Oral appliances as an alternative device are covered, at least in part, by most insurance companies including Medicare. If you want help to determine what coverage is available through your insurance carrier, please call our office (775.329.1333).
SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA
Non-restful sleep
Excessive daytime fatigue
Morning headache
Migraine headache
Clenching and grinding of the teeth
Acid reflux disease
High blood pressure
Heart attack
Stroke
Depression
Diabetes
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Sleep apnea is one of the most misunderstood health concerns today. Although many people think of it as a snoring disorder, it is far more serious. The word “apnea” means “cessation of breathing.” To stop breathing while asleep, usually from an obstruction in or collapse of your upper airway, is called “sleep apnea.” The health results can be devastating.
LEVELS OF SLEEP APNEA
Normal: During normal sleep the muscles that control the tongue and soft palate hold the airway open.
Snoring: When these muscles relax, the airway narrows. This can lead to snoring and breathing difficulties.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): If the muscles relax too much, the airway can collapse and become blocked, causing air flow and breathing to stop.
PAYING ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Heavy snoring is often a sign, especially if associated with periods of no breathing followed by gasping or choking sounds. One may often feel excessively fatigued early in the day. Sleep apnea, if not managed properly, has been shown to increase the rate of atherosclerosis formation resulting in greater risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It is also associated with high blood pressure, blood sugar control problems and more. It can decrease life expectancy by ten to twenty years.
TREATMENT
Dr. Ocean provides a dental alternative to conventional apnea management techniques. Instead of CPAP or other pressure breathing machines, your apnea is controlled by using oral dilator devices (oral appliances), which open the airway by gently moving your lower jaw forward while you sleep. The effectiveness is well proven and is suggested as first line therapy for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
A UNITED EFFORT TO KEEP YOU WELL
Dr. Ocean participates fully with your physician to help manage your sleep apnea disorder. Oral appliance therapy is a departure from conventional dentistry, requiring a specialized program to co-manage the patient with physicians, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, sleep physicians, general practice physicians and ENTs.
Although Dr. Ocean can provide screening examinations and testing services, it is necessary for a physician to provide an initial diagnosis prior to treatment.
MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE
Oral appliances as an alternative device are covered, at least in part, by most insurance companies including Medicare. If you want help to determine what coverage is available through your insurance carrier, please call our office (775.329.1333).
