Obstructive sleep apnea; It is defined as increased breathing effort and insufficient air intake as a result of blockage of the upper respiratory tract due to various reasons during sleep. Pause in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and can recur hundreds of times during a sleep period.
In individuals suffering from sleep apnea, snoring is 3-4 times more frequent and very loud, and when the person is monitored while sleeping, he/she becomes very restless and breathes repeatedly. Other disorders such as reflux and dry mouth may be observed.
Since the disease reduces sleep quality, it causes constant tiredness during the day, lack of concentration and increases the risk of accidents in traffic, as well as high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest. It can lead to death due to sleep apnea.
Among the causes of sleep apnea; Conditions such as relaxation of the muscles in the throat and blocking the airway during breathing, excessive cigarette consumption, excess weight, enlarged tonsils, the presence of adenoids, insufficient development of the lower jaw, large size of the tongue, wide soft palate can be listed as the cause of the disease.
For definitive diagnosis, a test called "polysomnography" is applied in which the person's brain and respiratory activities are evaluated throughout the night. Mild-medium-severe apnea severity is determined according to the measured apnea-hypopnea index value.
Sleep apnea can be treated with various methods, from conservative treatments to major surgical interventions. Conservative treatments include intraoral appliances made by dentists. The purpose of treatment with oral appliances is; It is to prevent airway obstruction during sleep by positioning the jaw and tongue forward.
Studies have shown that intraoral appliances applied by dentists completely relieve or reduce the complaints of mild to moderate sleep apnea patients, increasing the sleep quality of the person and making them feel better. It has been proven.
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