People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping. Snoring is often identified with sleep apnea. In some cases, breathing can stop hundreds of times during the night, and does not resume for up to a minute or longer at times.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by airway blockage, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes while you sleep and can be corrected by sleep apnea dentistry.
Sleep apnea dentistry treats sleep apnea by opening the air passages. Although this may require surgery in some patients, sleep apnea dentistry often successfully treats the problem with a simple oral appliance, a custom fitted device that repositions the lower jaw and tongue. An oral appliance keeps the airway open and reduces or eliminates apneic events.
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® II (TAP II) is based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring or sleep apnea.
THE EPWORTH |
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?
Choose the most appropriate number for each situation:
0 = would never doze
1 = slight chance of dozing
2 = moderate chance of dozing
3 = high chance of dozing
ACTIVITY |
SCORE |
Sitting and reading |
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Watching TV |
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Sitting, inactive in a public place (theater, meeting) |
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As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break |
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Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit |
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Sitting and talking to someone |
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Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol |
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In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic |
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TOTAL SCORE |
A score of 9 or above indicates you may be having a problem with daytime sleepiness, but below 9 does not necessarily mean that you don't have a problem. See your healthcare professional for advice if you snore, have been told that you awake gasping for breath or if you are sleepy during the day. |
4824 E. Trindle Rd. • Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: (717) 761-8056 • info@mfhdental.com
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