People with sleep apnea may complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may be more prevalent in people with sleep apnea too. Children with untreated sleep apnea may be hyperactive and may have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications may include:

Cardiovascular problems.  Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your risk of high blood pressure can be up to 2-3 times greater than if you don’t. The more severe your sleep apnea, the greater risk of high blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of stroke, regardless of whether or not you have high blood pressure. It is also associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and other vascular diseases.

In contrast, central sleep apnea usually is the result, rather than the cause of heart disease.

Daytime fatigue. The repeated awakenings associated with sleep apnea make normal, restorative sleep impossible. People with sleep apnea often experience severe daytime drowsiness, fatigue and irritability. You may have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work , while watching TV or even when driving.

Complications with medications and surgery. Obstructive sleep apnea is also a concern with certain medications and general anesthesia. People with sleep apnea may experience complications following major surgery, because they are prone to breathing problems. Before you have surgery be sure to inform your doctor that you have sleep apnea.

Sleep deprived partners. Loud snoring can keep those around you from getting a good nights rest. It’s not uncommon for a partner to go to another room to sleep.

Questions to ask your doctor:

1. What is causing my symptoms?
2. What kind of tests do I need?
3. Is my condition temporary or chronic?
4. What is the best course of action? Are there any alternative approaches?
5. I have other health conditions, how can I manage them together?
6. Should I see a specialist? Can a sleep apnea device from Dr.Shlafer help?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, call your doctor and  schedule  an appointment to be evaluated.  In the  meantime,  here’s what you can do :

Try to sleep on your side.  Most forms of sleep apnea are milder when you sleep on your side.

Avoid alcohol close to bedtime. Alcohol worsens obstructive and complex sleep apnea.

If you are sleep deprived and drowsy, avoid driving.

 It’s seems true doesn’t it? People who snore always fall asleep first! Truly a problem for family members, this is how we become sleep deprived! What can you do?

Treatment and drugs: For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If these measures do not improve your symptoms or your apnea is moderate to severe, a number of other treatments are available. Certain devices can help open up a blocked airway. In other cases surgery may be necessary.

Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea may include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).  If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, you may benefit from a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you sleep. With CPAP the air pressure is somewhat greater than that of the surrounding air, and just enough to keep your upper airway passages open, preventing apnea and snoring.

Although CPAP is a preferred method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. With practice, most people learn to adjust the tension of the straps to obtain a comfortable fit. Some people benefit from also using a humidifier along with their CPAP system.

Do not just stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with your doctor to see what modifications can be made to make you more comfortable. Also if your weight changes,the pressure settings may need to be adjusted.

Adjustable airway pressure devices.  If CPAP continues to be a problem for you, you may be able to use a different type of airway pressure device that automatically adjusts the pressure while you’re sleeping.

Oral appliances. Another option is wearing an oral appliance designed to keep your throat open. CPAP may be a more effective treatment, but an oral appliance that Dr.Shlafer can fabricate may be easier for you to use. Some are designed to open your throat by bringing your jaw forward, which can sometimes relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr.Shlafer can advise you on which devices may be appropriate for your symptoms. Once you have a sleep apnea device made, you will still need to follow up with Dr.Shlafer as least every 6 months to ensure that the fit is still good and re-access your symptoms.

Surgery

The goal of surgery for sleep apnea is to remove the excess tissue from your nose or throat that may be vibrating causing you to snore, or that may be blocking your upper air passages and causing sleep apnea. A Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty; a Maxillomandibular Advancement; or Tracheostomy may be considered. Other types of surgery may help reduce snoring and contribute to the treatment of sleep apnea by clearing or enlarging air passages. These may be: nasal surgery to remove polyps or correct a deviated septum; or removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

 Treatment for central and complex sleep apnea may include:

Treatment for associated medical problems.  Possible causes of central sleep apnea include heart or neuromuscular disorders. Treatment of treating these conditions may help.

Supplemental oxygen.  Using supplemental oxygen while you sleep may help if you have central sleep apnea.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)  This is the same method used for obstructive sleep apnea, involving wearing a pressurized mask over your nose while you sleep.

Bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) Unlike CPAP, which supplies steady, constant pressure to your upper airway as you breathe, BPAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale. The goal of this treatment is to assist the weak breathing pattern of central sleep apnea. Some BPAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven’t taken one in so many seconds.

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)  This more recently approved airflow device learns your normal breathing pattern and stores information in a built in computer. After you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to normalize your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing. ASV appears to be more successful than CPAP at treating central sleep apnea in some people.

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Lose excess weight.
2. Avoid alcohol and certain medications such as tranqulizers and sleeping pills.
3. Sleep on your side or abdomen rather than on your back.
4. Keep nasal passages open at night.

Along with these treatments, you may hear about different treatments for sleep apnea, such as acupuncture or other alternatives. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any options you are considering.

Sleep apnea may occur if you’re young or old, male or female. Even children can have sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder. There are certain factors that put you at an increased risk. Could you be at risk?

Obstructive sleep apnea:

• Excess weight. Fat deposits around your upper airway and may obstruct your breathing. (this does not mean that everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight, thin people can develop this disorder as well.)
• Neck circumference. A neck circumference greater than 17 inches is associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea. That is because a thick neck may narrow the airway.
• High blood pressure. Sleep apnea is more common in people with hypertension.
• A narrowed airway. You may have inherited a naturally narrow throat, or your tonsils or adenoids may be enlarged and block your airway.
• Being male. Male men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea. Women increase their risk by being overweight, and after menopause.
• Being older. Sleep apnea occurs 2-3 times more often in adults older than 65.
• Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
• Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
• Smoking. Smokers are 3 times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than people who have never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway.
• Prolonged sitting. Studies suggest that long periods of daytime sitting can cause fluids to shift from your legs when you recline at night, narrowing airways passages.

Central sleep apnea

• Being male.
• Being older.
• Heart disorders. People with atrial fibrillation or congestive heart failure are more at risk of central sleep apnea.
• Stroke or brain tumor. These conditions can impair the brain’s ability to regulate breathing.

Complex sleep apnea. The same risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. In addition, complex sleep apnea may be more common in people who have heart disorders.

If you have any questions or concerns, or are wondering if you may be at risk, be sure to speak with your doctor.

Sleep apnea is potentially a very serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.

There are 2 main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea —–the more common type of sleep apnea, that occurs when throat muscles relax.

Central sleep apnea —-which occurs when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Some people have complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of both.

Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, sometimes making the type of sleep apnea more difficult to determine. The most common signs and symptoms are:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep

When to see the doctor: You would want to consult your medical professional if you experience, or your partner observes the following:

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness

Many people don’t think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Be sure to ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued. Dr.Shlafer currently has the expertise to provide an oral device which has been proven effective in moderate to severe cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. With further development, the innovative design of this appliance offers the potential to become a cost effective and perhaps primary medical treatment alternative for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If you are wondering if this might be for you, give us a call to set up a complimentary visit!

Causes:

Causes of obstructive sleep apnea–this occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and breathing momentarily stops. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood. Your brain senses the inability to breathe and briefly rouses your from sleep so you can re-open your airway. This awakening is usually so brief, you don’t remember it. People with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware  their sleep was interrupted. In fact, many people with this type of sleep apnea think they sleep well at night.

Causes of central sleep apnea, which is much less common, occurs when your brain fails to transmit signals to your breathing muscles. You may awaken with shortness of breath or have a difficult time getting or staying asleep. The most common cause of central sleep apnea is heart disease and less commonly, a stroke. People with central sleep apnea may be more likely to remember awakening than are people with obstructive sleep apnea.

Causes of complex sleep  apnea have upper airway obstruction just like those with obstructive sleep apnea, but they also have a problem with the rhythm of breathing and occasional lapses of breathing effort.

Next we will discuss risk factors for sleep apnea. Be sure to check this link out regarding  Shaquille O’neal.

Finding the right cosmetic dentist requires careful consideration and not all general dentists provide cosmetic procedures. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, you are selecting a dental professional who will help you change your appearance by improving the look of your teeth and smile and with Dr. Shlafer, you have the best of both worlds!

Dr. Shlafer has extensive experience in cosmetic procedures and as your  general dentist, he already has a picture of the current status and condition of your mouth. Dr. Shlafer takes many factors into consideration  before cosmetic treatment begins which include, the condition of your teeth, the health of your gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion. Dr. Shlafer understands these factors will have an impact on the longevity of the cosmetic treatment you desire.

Some things to consider:

1. How long has the dentist been in practice?  Dr. Shlafer has been practicing dentistry in the Farmington area for 24 years now.
2. Investigate the level of cosmetic dentistry experience. Dr. Shlafer will be happy to discuss the specific details about what he can offer you during your next re-care appointment or if you are new to our practice,  it can be discussed  during a complimentary visit.
3. Are there before and after photos of previous patients to show you? Dr. Shlafer has several examples of patient photos available for you to see and help you imagine what he can do for you.
4. How extensive is the dental practice? Do they offer study models, bonding pre-views, or lab wax-ups to help you visualize what you are planning?  These services are standard for the cosmetic patient undergoing a smile make over with Dr. Shlafer.
5. What dental technologies are used in the practice to help serve your needs?  Lasers, caries detection devices, CAD/CAM restoration,and intraoral imaging are just some of the technology Dr. Shlafer offers to his patients.
6. What patient comforts are provided? Dr. Shlafer offers his patients headphones to provide calming music, oral sedation, nitrous, comfortable chairs, blankets and pillows that will make the treatment process  a more relaxing and anxiety-free experience.

Cosmetic dentistry results may vary and are dependant on the skill of the dentist. We’re here to let you know you have chosen the right place!  Dr. Shlafer is exceedingly skilled and the staff is friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns. Please call for your complimentary evaluation, you’ll be glad you did!

Many people are unhappy  with their smile and the impact it has on the image they want to project. Here’s some simple questions to help you focus on some areas you may want to improve.

• Do you have crooked teeth?
• Do you have noticeable spaces between your teeth?
• Are you missing any of your teeth?
• Are your teeth discolored?
• Do your teeth have bonding that has discolored over the  years?
• Do your teeth look short or worn flat?
• Do your back teeth that show, look gray or black because of silver  mercury fillings?
• Do you feel like you show to much gum when you smile?
• Are your gums a healthy pink, or are they red and puffy?

Take a closer look:

• Does your smile match the rest of your image?
• Are you self-conscious about your smile?
• What do other people notice about your smile?
• What would you like to change about your smile?
• Do you find yourself not smiling in photos, or covering your teeth with your hand?

We all have an image we want to project in our business and personal lives. If any of the above questions have stirred your interest in what might be possible for your smile, it’s time for a complimentary smile evaluation.

Cosmetic dentistry, also called aesthetic dentistry, can be described as any one or more dental treatments that improve the beauty of your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can include a variety of  techniques, such as re-contouring your teeth or gums to placing veneers or crowns on a number of teeth. In order to have the best results possible, advanced skills that utilize the most progressive dental techniques and state of the art equipment are essential to your success.

Your comfort and individual needs are of the utmost importance to us. Dr. Shlafer and the entire staff always go the extra mile to make sure your visit is a whole new dental experience!  Below are some of the most common cosmetic procedures we perform daily in our office:

VENEERS: Porcelain laminate veneers. This is literally a covering placed over the teeth to enhance or correct their appearance. Veneers are used to close spaces, increase size, change color, or straighten the teeth. Veneers are an exciting option that impacts very little of your natural tooth structure.

CROWNS: Crowns are used to restore both anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth that have been broken or are at high risk of doing so.  One of the many reasons a crown is needed, is when an older, large silver filling breaks down. There are a variety of  materials used to construct  crowns. Dr. Shlafer will discuss with you which type of crown is best for your situation.

Tooth Colored Fillings: Today’s advanced dentistry allows Dr.Shlafer to use  a filling material that offers the  combination of beauty as well as strength when filling teeth.  This procedure may include removing old silver mercury fillings that have darkened or fractured over time, and restoring the tooth with a white filling material, returning it to it’s original appearance!

WHITENING: Bleaching your teeth can be one of the easiest, yet most gratifying procedures we perform for our patients. We are please to offer different choices for whitening procedures which are customized for each person’s wants and needs.

What’s keeping you from achieving that whiter and brighter smile you’ve always wanted?

Periodontal Disease and Other Medical Conditions:

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum and tissues that surround and support the teeth. More than 75% of American adults have some form of gum disease, but are unaware of it. Risk factors for periodontal disease include:

1. Lack of proper oral hygiene

2. Sugar and acid in your diet

3. Poorly contoured restorations. (fillings or crowns that are food traps)

4. Tooth abnormalities.

5. Wisdom teeth still present.

6. Age

7. Family history

8. Lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, or stress)

The Mouth & Body Connection:

The American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate the public about new findings which support what dental professionals had long suspected: infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection and all infections are cause for concern. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research suggest that this may :

1. Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading cause of death

2. Increase the risk of stroke.

3. Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby.

4. Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis.

Treatment of periodontal disease could range from multiple scaling and root planning appointments (deep cleaning) to traditional periodontal surgery (which can be quite painful) or a new revolutionary treatment for gum disease—PerioLase, where the patient experiences little to no pain, and with little disruption in a patient’s daily activities.

If you are wondering if  you have periodontal disease or are a candidate for the Laser Periodontal Therapy http://www.lanap.com/periolase.php surgery, let us know, we can schedule a complimentary evaluation with Dr.Shlafer.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing  and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for  temporomandibular joint.

The temporomandibular joint(TMJ) is the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head.  The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side, enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn.

What causes TMD? Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck–such as from a heavy blow or whiplash can cause TMD. Other possible causes are: grinding or clenching of teeth; dislocation of the soft cushion or disc: presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ; stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles.

Symptoms of TMD. Common symptoms of TMD include: pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders; limited ability to open your mouth very wide; jaws that get “stuck” or “lock” in the open or closed mouth position; clicking, popping, or grating sounds; and difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite.

How is TMD diagnosed? Because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms to TMD–including a toothache, sinus problem, arthritis, or gum disease. Dr.Shlafer will conduct a careful patient history and clinical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.  Dr.Shlafer will be looking for TMJ pain and tenderness; listen for clicking; popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement. He would look for limited motion or locking of the jaw while opening or closing the mouth and examine the bite and facial muscle function.

Treatment for TMD range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery. No need to suffer, if you feel you are experiencing any of these symptoms, give us a call so we can set up an evaluation appointment.

Because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, including a toothache, sinus problems, arthritis, or gum disease, Dr.Shlafer would conduct a careful review of patient history in addition to the clinical examination to determine the cause of your symptoms.

He would examine your temporomandibular joints for pain or tenderness: listen for clicking, popping, or grating sounds during jaw movement; look for limited motion or jaw locking while opening and closing; and examine bite and facial muscle function. Sometimes a panoramic x-ray will be taken. This x-ray allows Dr.Shlafer to view your entire jaw. Sometimes other imaging tests may be ordered, such as a MRI,or CT scan. The MRI views the soft tissue such as the TMJ disc to see if it is in the proper position as the jaw moves. A CT scan helps view the bony detail of the joint.

What treatments Are Available for TMD?

Treatments can range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery. Many of the treatments below often work best when used in combination.

Apply moist heat or cold packs.  Apply an ice pack to the side of your face and temple area for about 10 minutes or apply a warm, moist towel or washcloth to the side of your face for about 5 minutes (as instructed by Dr.Shlafer) This routine may be performed several times a day.

Eat soft foods.  Eat soft foods such as  yogurt, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, fish, cooked vegetables, beans and grains. In addition, cut food into small pieces to decrease the amount of chewing required. Avoid hard, crunchy foods.

Take medications as directed by the doctor. To relieve muscle pain and swelling an anti-inflammatory drug may be recommended.

Wear a bite-splint or night guard. Splints and night guards are custom made to fit over your upper or lower teeth. They prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming together, lessening the effects of clenching and grinding of your teeth.

Undergo corrective dental treatment. Replace missing teeth; using crowns, bridges, or braces to balance the biting surfaces of your teeth to correct any bite problems.

Avoid any extreme jaw movements. Keep yawning and chewing (especially gum and ice) to a minimum.

Don’t rest you chin on your hand  or hold the telephone between your shoulder and your ear. Practice good posture to reduce head and neck pain.

Keep your teeth slightly apart as often as you can to relieve the pressure on your jaw.

Learn relaxation techniquesto help control muscle tension in your jaw. Consider stress reduction therapy, including biofeedback. When the basic treatments above prove unsuccessful, Dr.Shlafer may suggest alternate care or refer you to a specialist to discuss surgical options.