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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder that causes snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. These breathing pauses may occur 30 times or more an hour. As a result, the quality of sleep suffers, making patients tired during the day. On top of that, life partners are often suffering too, as loud and persistent snoring can keep him or her awake and take a toll on his or her well-being.
The most obvious sign of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic, loud, and ongoing snoring. There is usually, too, persistent sleepiness during the day, including while at work or driving. This may cause the sufferer to doze off during periods of inactivity. Other symptoms include morning headaches, waking frequently throughout night, difficulty concentrating and remembering, insomnia, psychological problems such as depression or mood changes, and sore throat or dry mouth upon waking.
Fragmented sleep such as that induced by obstructive sleep apnea is the most common cause of daytime sleepiness and issues related to sleep deprivation, including problems with memory, reaction time, and concentration. OSA may also lead to serious illnesses due to its reduction of oxygen levels. This combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may contribute to ailments including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and depression, plus a significantly higher risk of accidents, including those in the workplace and while driving.
With normal breathing, which supports the restorative sleep that is so important to human health and well-being, air flows freely through the upper airway. There is no obstruction to hinder breathing.
OAT (Oral Appliance Therapy) is a custom-designed oral appliance prescribed by your dentist to treat snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It is also recommended for patients with more severe OSA who are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery. The two-piece appliance is designed to prevent apneas by keeping the upper airway open.
Dr. James B. Wisner was raised in Charleston and attended Porter-Gaud High School. He graduated from The Honors College at The University of South Carolina in 1996 and received his D.M.D. degree in 2002 from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine. Dr. Wisner served in Las Vegas, Nevada and Spangdahlem, Germany…
Dr. Caitlin McPherson was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. A graduate of Porter Gaud High School, she went on to receive her Bachelors of Science from Clemson University’s Calhoun Honors College. Dr. McPherson earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine. She is an…
Dr. Luke E. Severance believes dentistry goes far beyond just treating teeth – it’s about building lasting relationships and making a genuine difference in the lives of his patients. Dr. Severance was raised in Florence, South Carolina and graduated with summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina. He went on to receive his…
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538 Savannah Hwy
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 351-1143
FAX: (843) 577-4653
Email: office@peninsuladentistry.net
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Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm