Sleep Disorders

Dr. 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 concurrence with your physician Dr. Skowronski will succeed to accurately treat your sleep disorder.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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 know 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 (men & women)

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 each individual 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..