Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that comprises of repeated breathing stoppages during sleep. OSA happens when the tongue or tissue of the neck collapse and block the upper airway. This causes oxygen levels to drop and carbon dioxide to rise. Eventually, the brain will override sleep to wake the body up in order to clear the obstruction. The person wakes up, clears the obstruction and goes back to sleep all without remembering the disturbance. This creates a twofold problem for the body: 1) the body is starved for oxygen and this causes numerous serious problems for the physiology of the body 2) the person is denied the regenerative effects of sleep.
Dr. Nugent is committed to helping address this major health crises with our comprehensive examination that also includes screening for possible indications of sleep apnea. Though anyone can be at risk, overweight male adults over the age of 40 are at the highest risk of developing sleep apnea. If you or someone you love thinks they may be suffering from sleep apnea it is important to contact our Pasadena Sleep Office for additional information.
Sleep Apnea is diagnosed through a sleep test. Dr. Nugent can easily set you up for a home sleep test. Or you can go to a much more invasive in-lab sleep test. The choice is yours.
Once the sleep test is read by a board certified sleep physician and a diagnosis and prescription for an oral device is give, Dr. Nugent can make the device.
Dental Device for Sleep Apnea
With this custom made dental device, the lower jaw is moved downward and forward through the use of a customized appliance to create more space behind the tongue and soft palate. This opens up the airway. Once the appliance is custom fitted, adjustments are made in our office and a follow-up sleep study is conducted. This second sleep study is to show that the dental appliance is helping diminish the effects of sleep apnea.
Get the highest level of care for you and your family. Call our office today at 832-487-0647 to set up your appointment to talk about sleep apnea. Or come visit us at 3421 Burke Rd #1, Pasadena, Texas 77504.