Sleep Disorders
Dr. Raymond Skowronski is an
active member of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine & the American
Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is qualified to treat both harmless
snoring and mile to moderate cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea using oral
appliance therapy.
In concurrence with
your physician Dr. Skowronski will succeed to accurately treat your
sleep disorder.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
The majority of people have teased or protested of a friend or loved
one's ability to "saw logs" while sleeping. This descriptive
phrase, more commonly known as snoring, is the sound of obstructed
breathing during sleep. Snoring can be harmless, but may also be one of
the many symptoms of a more serious medical condition known as
Obstructive Sleep Apnea. (OSA).
OSA is a commonly occurring clinical disease, associated with
significant morbidity, increased mortality and reduced quality of life.
OSA occurs when the tongue falls back against the throat while inhaling.
When this happens, the upper airway becomes blocked, causing airflow to
stop. The brain sensed when oxygen levels become low and in result
the person sleeping awakens. Upon awaking the obstruction in the
throat clears, usually with a loud gasp or a violent cough. This
pattern continues throughout the duration of sleep, causing a night of
disrupted sleep. The severity of OSA is unknown by many who
experience symptoms. A night of disturbed sleep not only leaves
you tired during the day but many also trigger more serious conditions,
such as high blood pressure, sleeping while driving or possibly death.
Is snoring the only symptom to sleep apnea?
No. People with OSA also may experience:
Frequent Night Urination
Sexual Dysfunction
Restless Sleep
Fatigue During The Day
Irritability
Depression
Memory Loss
Lack of Concentration
Morning Headaches
What if my OSA goes
untreated, what could happen?
Untreated OSA may result in:
Hypertension
Cardiovascular Disease
Stroke
Increased Mortality
Diabetes
Accidents
Poor Quality of Life
Increased Health Care Costs
Possibly Death
What can Dr. Skowronski do to help treat
OSA and snoring?
After you have been accurately diagnosed with OSA, appliances that are
worn in the mouth are used to treat OSA and snoring. These
appliances are similar to orthodontic retainers and athletic mouth
guards. Each type of oral appliance is customized to properly treat
their unique symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms of OSA or
have been diagnosed with OSA and would like to know more about treatment
of OSA with an oral appliance, please contact the office of Dr. Raymond
Skowronski, Jr.
(586) 977-8413
