Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition in the United States. It can occur when the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, reducing or completely stopping airflow. This is known as obstructive sleep apnea.
Healthcare providers use sleep studies to diagnose sleep apnea. These tests record the number of episodes of slow or stopped breathing and the number of central sleep apnea events detected in an hour. They also determine whether oxygen levels in the blood are lower during these events.
Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive and behavioral disorders.
Explore the topics below to learn more about sleep apnea and how dentist can help treat OSA.