Sleep Apnea & Snoring

h2 data-uw-styling-context="true">Sleep Apnea & Snoring In Indianapolis, IN

Having a peaceful and restful sleep is not always possible for those who have certain physical structures and conditions. While some may be able to sleep like a baby every night, others can not which is why Timothy C. Adams, DDS, D.ACSDD is pleased to provide a much needed service in the Indianapolis area at his Carmel Indianapolis office. Snoring and Sleep Apnea are serious health conditions that should not be overlooked. Sleep Related Breathing Disorders(SRBD) are potentially serious medical conditions such as obstructive Sleep Apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, Snoring and other disruptions in normal breathing patterns.

Dental Sleep Medicine is a relatively new specialty of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep disorders. These disorders represent those that result from airway obstructions that occur during sleep. It is estimated that obstructive sleep disorders affect 5% of the Western world, most of which go unrecognized and undiagnosed despite the substantial mortality rates associated with them. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the throat collapses during sleep, disrupting breathing and repeatedly rouses a person from sleep. Sleep experts estimate 80-90% of people with Sleep Apnea are unaware of their condition. Risk for OSA increases with age and weight gain. Obstructive Sleep Apnea raises the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and driving accidents. Untreated OSA is frequently linked to cognitive decline. Symptoms can exacerbate or mimic dementia symptoms. Sleep studies indicate that sleep-disordered breathing is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome. A group of India-based researchers found that OSA patients were three times more likely to experience obesity, hypertension, diabetes, mellitus and hyperlipidemia (HLP). HLP patients have high blood cholesterol and triglycerides.

Since dentists see patients on a regular basis, they are in the unique position to screen, refer and collaboratively treat certain sleep related breathing disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea. (OSA) The ADA's adopted policy emphasizes that ''dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy." (OAT) Dr. Adams has received a Diplomate in Sleep Disorders and is the only one in Indiana who has received this credential from the ACSDD. Part of the comprehensive exam patients receive at Timothy C. Adams, DDS, D.ACSDD, is an assessment regarding the risk for sleep apnea. The results of the screening will be forwarded to the patient's physician along with an evaluation of the appropriateness of Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Dr. Adams is committed to the importance of the partnership between physicians and dentists in the treatment of sleep related disorders which can be treated with Oral Appliance Therapy. For patients who do not tolerate a CPAP device, this is a minimally invasive procedure that allows those with mild to moderate sleep apnea the ability to improve their health without surgery or machine.

One of Dr. Adams' concerns has been the large number of patients who are either undiagnosed or have received CPAP machines but don't use them. This presents a serious health risk to the patient especially if the patient fails to follow through with the physician. Unfortunately, this is commonplace which is why qualified dentists are in a unique position to assess, communicate and treat. Dr. Adams has been educating patients for years about the importance of continuing treatment and communicating with their physicians rather than ignoring their conditions. Compliance has been an ongoing problem which has affected the health and safety of millions. This is why Dr. Adams received his Diplomate in Sleep Disorders so he could provide a much needed service to his patients. Dr. Adams has utilized Oral Appliance Therapy for numerous years which has helped many patients who desire to be freed from the noisy and cumbersome CPAP machine.

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT BENEFITS

Improved cognitive function.
Relieves excessive daytime sleepiness and hypertension.
Sleep Apnea is often disguised as dementia in older adults – treating Sleep Apnea improves attention, judgment and decision making
OSA treatment may reduce gastro esophageal reflux (GERD) by decreasing strain where the esophagus and stomach meet. GERD symptoms include heartburn and acid reflux.
A study in the journal Sleep and Breathing found that treating Sleep Apnea may help reverse infertility. The study identified changes in the serum prolactin (PRL) secretion, which affects fertility.
Better asthma control. In a recent study of sleep-disordered breathing and asthma, it was discovered that both disorders can go hand in hand negatively influencing sleep quality.
OSA not only affects the health and mood of sufferers, but it also impacts bed partners. A study from the journal Sleep and Breathing found that treating primary snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can improve a bed partner’s depression.
A good night’s sleep can help keep weight down. The findings of several recent studies examining the relationship between weight gain and sleep deprivation, have indicated there is a possibility that the amount of sleep can influence weight gain.
Improved attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. A review of OSA and ADHD published 2011 in the August issue of Annals of Clinical Psychiatry found that 20% to 30% of patients with full-blown ADHD had OSA. After OSA treatment, patients saw improvement in behavior, attention span, and overall ADHD symptoms.