Help for sleep apnea, for which snoring is a major side effect, can be found right here with Dr. David Satnick. Some studies indicate that 45 percent of adults snore occasionally, while 25 percent are habitual snorers. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may be a sign of more serious cardiovascular and general health problems, and Dr. Satnick has extensive training and experience with treating sleep apnea in order to reduce any adverse medical effects the condition may cause.

 

What Causes Snoring

Snoring is caused by the passages at the back of the mouth and throat beginning to collapse and constrict the airway. As air passes through this area, vibration of the tissues causes snoring. Snoring can be mild or loud, but the fact is the body is struggling to get oxygen.

If the airway collapses completely, then silence occurs even though the body continues to try to get oxygen. At some point, the body responds to the lack of oxygen and build up of carbon dioxide and the person gasps for air. This is called an apneic event. These events can occur many times in an hour and through out the night.

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Adverse Medical Effects

Snoring and Sleep Apnea decrease the flow of oxygen to the brain and body. This can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable and lead to memory loss. If left untreated, it can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (heart attacks), and in some people, diabetes. It can also decrease your sex drive because you’re just too tired. Productivity at work can be reduced and difficulty staying awake through out the day can be challenging.

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How Dr. Satnick Can Help

There are over 90 oral appliances available for the treatment of snoring. Most of them are bulky and cumbersome to wear. Some are not even FDA approved for treatment.

Dr. Satnick has the knowledge and experience to help determine the right oral appliance for you. He has reduced the choices to a handful of oral appliances that can help reduce or eliminate snoring and sleep apnea providing you with an improved quality of sleep. Even if you have a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) nasal machine and can not tolerate wearing it, or would like to try a different approach to treatment, Oral Appliance Therapy can be effective for you. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has stated that Oral Appliance Therapy is the first line of treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea or when the CPAP cannot be tolerated.

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What does Treatment Entail?

Before being fitted for an oral appliance, a thorough exam is completed. This must include a Sleep Test called a Polysomnogram (PSG). This can be done at an accredited Sleep Lab or with an FDA approved Home Sleep Study which can be done at your home overnight. This test will determine how many apneic events occur per hour of sleep and how much oxygen your body is receiving in that time. An apneic event occurs when no air reaches the lungs for a minimum of 10 seconds and can last as long as 90 seconds.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is classified as:

Normal - less than 5 apneic events per hour

Mild - 5-19 apneic events per hour

Moderate - 20-39 apneic events per hour

Severe - 40 or more apneic events per hour

Dr. Satnick then uses a special diagnostic computer called a pharyngometer which measures the volume of air passing through the mouth and throat to the lungs. It is completely painless and uses sonic waves to map the space that air travels. This then becomes a useful tool helping Dr. Satnick determine the proper position for your mouthpiece. Customizing a mouthpiece that is right for you is key to success because the “one size fits all” does not work.

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The Full Breath Appliance

One of Dr. Satnick’s favorite appliances to treat Snoring and Sleep Apnea is the Full Breath Solution. It is a comfortable mouthpiece that fits over the upper teeth. Then the lower teeth are brought into position (with the use of the pharnygometer) and postures the lower jaw forward and open a bit. Additionally, the appliance has a patented tongue retainer which helps prevent the tongue from falling backward and pushing upward, helping to keep the airway open for a peaceful and restful night sleep.

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Comfort and a Good Night's Sleep

With a properly fitted and comfortable dental appliance, Dr. Satnick can help patients reduce and/or eliminate the exhausting and harmful effects of Snoring and Sleep Apnea. CPAP Intolerant patients and individuals who are seeking treatment for snoring and sleep apnea can contact Dr. David Satnick today for more information on how dental appliances can help you achieve a peaceful and restful night sleep again.





David Satnick D.M.D.
6633 Telephone Rd, #220
Ventura, CA 93003

Phone: 1-(805) 639-3050
Fax: (805) 639-5023