Pope Family Dental

Sleep related disorders

are one of the newest areas in Medicine and Dentistry. Sleep Disordered Breathing comprises a variety of conditions that occur during sleep and range from Snoring to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (where people actually stop breathing for periods during sleep). There are significant health problems associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea including cognitive impairment and an increased cardiovascular risk.

Cognitive impairment

can greatly affect quality of life, increase tiredness, impair memory and increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Recent studies show that snorers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure. Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea have an increased risk of atherosclerosis and stroke, and are four times more likely to have a heart attack.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

occurs as a result of many factors. They include a narrow airway or unfavorable jaw structure. At Pope Family Dental we work with Sleep Medicine Physicians to help diagnose and treat patients with these problems. The most common modifiable factor for people is weight loss, although central mechanisms that interfere with breathing can also be a cause of apnea, which is why proper assessment by a Sleep Physician is essential. One of the main treatment options is the use of an Oral Appliances which plays a significant role in helping patients (and their partners!) get a good night's sleep.