Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea



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 mild to moderate cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, using oral appliance therapy. In consultation with your physician, Dr. Skowronski will succeed in accurately treating your sleep disorder.

The majority of people have teased friends or loved ones for their 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 it may also be one of the many symptoms of a more serious medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a commonly occurring clinical disease, associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Obstructive Sleep Apnea 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 senses when oxygen levels become low and, as a result, the person sleeping awakens. Upon awakening, 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 Obstructive Sleep Apnea is unknown by many who experience symptoms. A night of disturbed sleep not only leaves you tired during the day but may also trigger more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, sleeping while driving or possibly death.


 
     
 

American Health Front approached Dr. Skowronski to share his knowledge and expertise on both Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The health media segment aired in 2007 on WXYZ in Detroit.

  

Watch more Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea videos on our YouTube channel.

 YouTube

What Can Dr. Skowronski Do To Help Treat OSA & Snoring?

After you have been accurately diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, appliances that are worn in the mouth are used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. These appliances are similar to orthodontic retainers and athletic mouth guards.  Each type of oral appliance is customized to properly treat the patient's unique symptoms.

Below are a some of the most popular appliances and positioners used to correct Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Click on an image for a larger view and description.

Sleep Apnea Appliance
Herbst Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
TAP II Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
Palatal Lift Device
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
PM Positioner
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
OASYS Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
EMA Profile Appliance
                     
Sleep Apnea Appliance
Tongue Retaining Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
New Klearway Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
Silencer Pro 6
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
Silencer Pro 5
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
Silencer 5 Appliance
   Sleep Apnea Appliance
Elastic Appliance

Photos courtesy of John's Dental Laboratory.



Is Snoring The Only Symptom of Sleep Apnea?
 

No. People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea may also experience:

  • Frequent Night Urination
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Restless Sleep
  • Fatigue During The Day
  • Irritability
  • Memory Loss
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Morning Headaches
  
     
 

What If My Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?
 

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea may result in:

  • Hypertension & Cardiovascular Disease
  • Stroke
  • Increased Mortality
  • Diabetes
  • Accidents
  • Poor Quality of Life
  • Increased Health Care Costs
  • Possibly Death
  
     

 

If you are experiencing symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea or have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apneaand would like to know more about treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with an oral appliance, please contact the Sterling Heights, Michigan office of Dr. Raymond Skowronski, Jr.. You may also download & complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and bring it with you to your appointment.

Recently, Dr. Raymond Skowronski Jr., was asked to share his knowledge of sleep disorders at a continuing education course for The University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry. Please contact us for instructions on how to download his findings.