Sleep Apnea Specialist
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The Van Orman Dental Group
Jeffrey B. Van Orman, DMD
Dentist located in Southwest Metro Area, Lake Oswego, OR
Not only is loud snoring disruptive, but it may also be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea. Jeffrey Van Orman, DMD is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating people with sleep apnea at the Van Orman Dental Group in Lake Oswego, Oregon. If you or a loved one suffers from constant loud snoring, call the Van Orman Dental Group or book an appointment online today.
Sleep Apnea Q & A
What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. This happens when the muscles and tissues of your throat relax and interfere with the flow of air.
Sleep apnea prevents your brain from getting enough oxygen, which may have detrimental effects on your state of mind during waking hours. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to serious complications, such as:
- Anxiety and depression
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Constant fatigue
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Loud and frequent snoring or episodes of interrupted breathing are the most obvious signs of sleep apnea. Since you’re asleep when these things happen, another person might tell you about them.
You might notice some other common sleep apnea symptoms on your own, including:
- Waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
How does a dentist diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea?
Dr. Van Orman has advanced training in sleep apnea treatment. He works collaboratively with a medical doctor to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment for this potentially dangerous condition.
The process of treating sleep apnea begins with a consultation, where Dr. Van Orman evaluates your symptoms and asks you to complete a questionnaire. Then, you take home a portable sleep study unit to use overnight. This device provides valuable information about your sleep patterns.
Next, Dr. Van Orman and his partner physician carefully assess your sleep data to confirm a diagnosis. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, they discuss the best options for treatment. This may involve wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance to gently maintain an open airway while you sleep.
After he takes measurements and impressions to fit you for an appliance, Dr. Van Orman sends the information to a lab to create your SomnoDent™ sleep apnea device. One to two weeks later, you pick up your appliance and are on your way to a more peaceful night’s sleep.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have obstructive sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to call the Van Orman Dental Group or schedule an appointment online.
