Airway Evaluation
Obstructive sleep apnea is a life-threatening condition that affects millions of Americans on a nightly basis. The condition occurs when the airway becomes blocked while a person is asleep, causing them to gasp for air. Many people are not even aware that they suffer from
obstructive sleep apnea unless a loved one tells them they snore or exhibit periods in which they stop breathing.
Most patients in our Charlotte office who experience sleep apnea do not wake during the events so they have no memory of any problems.
Poor sleep quality many times is the primary sign.
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The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include snoring, waking up with a headache, fatigue, obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and GERD or gastric reflux disease.
Prior to receiving any treatment, it is important that patients undergo a
comprehensive airway evaluation.
Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can perform an in-office screening exam and determine if a referral to a qualified sleep physician would be in your best interest. There are a number of dental issues that point to possible airway issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Potential causes of sleep apnea include excess tissue at the back of the throat, enlarged tonsils, obesity, or an enlarged tongue. In many cases, patients can find effective treatment if a proper diagnosis is obtained.
Oral sleep apnea appliances (OSA) look similar to a mouth-guard or retainer. They can be an excellent option and offer potentially life-saving benefits for patients that can't or will not utilize a CPAP device. CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard in sleep apnea therapy. Unfortunately, over 60% of patients with a CPAP device do not use it. That means there are millions of patients that risk their lives every night when they go to sleep.
OSA can provide a solution that many find more acceptable than a CPAP and also offers a more portable solution when they travel. This appliance is specifically selected based on each patient need and custom built uniquely for them. The appliance helps position the lower jaw forward and helps to maintain an open airway while you sleep.
For more information on obstructive sleep apnea treatments, visit
medlineplus.gov
Schedule an Airway Evaluation in Charlotte Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing airway obstruction or sleep-related breathing concerns, we encourage you to contact and schedule an evaluation with the team at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. As part of our comprehensive new patient experience, we use advanced 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate head and neck structures, including the airway.
All 3D CBCT scans are submitted to a board-certified radiology group for professional review and interpretation. Their detailed reports help identify findings such as restricted airway volume, obstructed nasal passages, deviated septums, and enlarged tonsils, allowing us to better inform patients about their overall health and recommend referrals to sleep physicians or sleep centers when appropriate.
In addition to airway-related concerns, these scans can also reveal other non-dental findings that may impact overall wellness. Our goal is to provide patients with a more complete understanding of their health through advanced diagnostic imaging and collaborative care. We are happy to provide referrals to qualified sleep therapy professionals when required.
Next, learn more about our sleep apnea screenings.
