A comprehensive exam and evaluation can reveal signs and symptoms of a compromised airway and possible sleep related breathing disorder. Some of these are:
- Dark circles or ‘bags’ under the eyes
- Blood Shot eyes
- Forward head posture (shoulders rolled forward)
- Large tongue
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- TMJ pain/dysfunction
- Day time sleepiness and fatigue
- Headaches
- Brain fog and/or difficulty concentrating/ ADD/ADHD
- Frequent night-time awakenings
- Waking up from sleep gasping for air
- Restless sleep
- Restless leg syndrome
- Bedwetting (primarily applies to children, adolescents and teens; however, it can also affect adults)
If any of the above apply or if our examination shows a less than ideal physiological airway space, we may recommend a sleep study. A sleep study, also called a Polysomnography (PSG), is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and upper airway resistance syndrome. These are the three most common sleep breathing disorders. By collaborating with other healthcare providers, we can assure to provide an official and correct diagnosis and advise the proper treatment option.
We are proud to offer a non-invasive home care device for use with patients suspected of having sleep related breathing disorders. WatchPAT®️ is a revolutionary FDA-Cleared portable Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT). It is a cost-effective device that is simple to use in the comfort of your own bedroom where your normal sleep habits occur. This allows us the very best opportunity to accurately diagnose any irregularities in your sleep with high diagnostic accuracy and reliability.
Unfortunately, sleep breathing disorders are common and they are a very serious health risk. They not only affect your quality of life making you more prone to illness, but they can also be life-threatening. Some of the physical ailments of sleep breathing disorders are:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic inflammation
- ADD/ADHD
- Stress on internal organs
- Day time sleepiness – Car accidents
- Chronic dental problems such as TMJ dysfunction, tooth wear/fracture, clenching, grinding, abscessed teeth
There are several ways that we treat sleep breathing disorders. There is only one correct diagnosis for each person. Once that is made, we cater the treatment to that unique individual, partnering with them to provide the optimal treatment that is in their best interest. Treatments offered in our office may consist of one or more of the following:
- Sleep hygiene counseling
- Myofunctional therapy
- Home Sleep Studies
- Oral appliance therapy
- TMJ therapy
- Orthodontics
- Tongue tie release
- Lip tie release
In addition to the above treatment(s) and based upon your particular needs, we might also refer you to, and work in conjunction with, one or more of our collaborative healthcare providers who can optimally address the following:
- Craniosacral therapy for cranio-cervical and spinal alignment
- ENT therapy to address deviated septum, swollen tonsils/adenoids, and sinus/allergy therapy, etc
- Speech and Myofunctional therapy
- Any suspected undiagnosed medical condition
- CPAP Therapy
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