Image by Isabella and Louisa Fischer

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disease where there is blockage in the sleepers airflow, resulting in oxygen deprivation in the body and brain. Snoring is different than OSA in that the sleeper still breathes continuously, although very noisily.

 

It is important to note that when left untreated, snoring often progresses to this serious and fatal disease.

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Failure of the upper and lower jaw to develop properly is a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition, called maxillary hypoplasia and/or mandibular retrognathia/retrusion, often results in a compromised upper airway. 

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A person suffering from OSA may stop breathing many times each night, repeatedly experiencing small suffocations which can last up to several minutes at a time. When carbon dioxide levels build up in the body and oxygen levels plummet,  the brain signals the body to "wake up" in order to facilitate satisfactory breathing patterns.

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People suffering from OSA may or may not wake up consciously. Many times the only indication of the brain's attempt to reboot the body is demonstrated by the abrupt choking, gasping or coughing for air during what might be considered a typical bout of snoring.

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*If you feel like you may be suffering from OSA, please schedule a consultation with Dr. TerryLynn Tennant.

THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

BRINGING AWARENESS TO SLEEP APNEA

Sleep deprivation is not to be taken lightly. Obstructive Sleep apnea can lead to serious physical and emotional problems in kids and adults.  Being educated and self aware about your sleep disorder is a responsible commitment you can make to yourself and your loved ones. 

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Over 30 million Americans are afflicted with snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  AAA reports that two out of five drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel resulting in fatal car accidents. This indicates that we are a country facing an epidemic for which too many people don't seek treatment.

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Chronic Sleep Deprivation can affect your physical and emotional health in a multitude of ways such as:

  • Weight gain

  • Fatigue

  • Hypertension

  • Diabetes

  • Suppressed immune system

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Depression

  • Aggression 

  • Anxiety

  • Daytime sleepiness 

  • Frequent errors  at workplace

 

A good night's rest is critical to a person's physical, emotional and social health.

OUR COMMITMENT

Dr. TerryLynn Tennant has extensive training and expertise in addressing Obstructive Sleep Apnea that stems from underdeveloped upper and lower jaw.  Her dedicated and passionate approach to treating her patients allays all concerns & worries.

WHAT THE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT VIVOS

Aesthetic Smiles Center for Sleep & TMJ

13765 NW Cornell Rd. STE 100 Portland, OR 97229

(503)-643-9855

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