Treatment for Sleep Disorders
Expert Care for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Dr. Lipton has been treating patients who snore or have sleep apnea for many years. His continued education in the field of dental sleep medicine allows him to effectively treat sleep disorders that severely diminish the quality of life for millions of Americans. Dr. Lipton is one of a small percentage of dentist's board certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM).
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The ABDSM was established to ensure high standards of treatment for breathing-related sleep disorders. The board specializes in oral appliance therapy (OAT) and upper-airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Board Certified diplomats, such as Dr. Lipton, must provide the board with documentation of multiple oral appliance cases, in addition to taking a comprehensive exam and spending time observing and interacting with patients in an accredited sleep laboratory.
The ABDSM's labor-intensive selection process has allowed accreditation to only 138 dentists nationwide. Dr. Lipton is the only dentist in Northwest Indiana, and one of only four dentists in the entire state, who holds this prestigious certification.
Dr. Lipton's extensive training allows him to confidently and effectively provide therapy for patients who snore or have sleep apnea. Rest assured, you will receive the highest quality of care from a nationally recognized dental sleep specialist when you visit Dr. Lipton's Highland, Indiana office.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or if you snore, we may be able to treat your problem. Dr. Lipton has special advanced training in dental solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. He can construct an appliance that will help keep your air passages open as you sleep. Imagine waking up feeling relaxed and restored instead of tired.
If you’ve tried but can’t tolerate the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for sleep apnea, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much less intrusive and how effective CPAP alternatives such as a dental appliance for sleep apnea or snoring can be. Please call our office today to find out more about how we can help solve your breathing-related sleep problems.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is a condition that creates health and quality of life problems for many people across the globe. Children and adults can suffer from OSA, and males have a higher occurrence than females. Dr. Lipton may be able to provide an oral appliance to help alleviate OSA and the nagging symptoms that accompany it. A sleep study will be required to diagnose the condition and accurately prescribe treatment. Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea here:
Frequently Asked Questions about Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Are snoring and sleep apnea the same?
No. Snoring is the sound that people make while sleeping due to a narrowing of the airway. The narrowing of the airway can be caused by numerous reasons: an excessively large tongue, long soft palate and/or large uvula, and in people who are overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when an obstruction in the airway makes a person repeatedly stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer, with a concurrent decrease in blood oxygen and arousals from sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea contributes to many medical disorders.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Soft tissues collapse to block free airflow during sleep. Obesity (as defined as greater than 20% over normal weight) is a major contributing factor in the cause of OSA. An elongated uvula, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, oversized tongue, and/or improper position of the jaw may contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. The shape of the head and neck can also contribute to a smaller than average airway. Throat and tongue muscles that relax too much, possibly from sedative or alcohol use before sleep, may cause a blocked airway. Snoring can lengthen the soft palate, which may create an obstruction, as well.
Who can get sleep apnea?
Risk factors for sleep apnea include but are not limited to:
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Being male
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Obesity
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Age (40-60 years)
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Medications or alcohol
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Hypothyroidism
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Sedative medications or alcohol
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Large tonsils, adenoids, tongue, uvula or small jaw
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Nasal congestion, sinus problems or allergies
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Parent has OSA
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Aging
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Poor muscle tone in oral structures
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Smoking, exposure to smoke
What happens during an obstructive sleep apnea occurrence?
Muscles in the throat relax and the tongue blocks free airflow. The brain does not receive sufficient oxygen, so it signals the body to awaken via discharge of adrenaline raising blood pressure, pulse rate, muscle and brain activity to protect the unconscious individual from asphyxiation and death. This can happen with a loud gasp, choking, or snort. The person clears his/her airway and resumes sleep. This process can happen many times per hour throughout the night.
How can obstructive sleep apnea decrease quality of life?
OSA can cause daytime fatigue, some people fall asleep – even while driving or at work – because of lack of sufficient rest. Individuals awaken with choking, gasping, or snorting repeatedly throughout the night. Some experience a frequent need to urinate at night and decreased sex drive. Morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and acid reflux may also occur. Oxygen deprivation as a result of OSA can contribute to depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
OSA Symptoms
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may:
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Stop breathing for periods of 10 seconds or longer during sleep.
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Wake up choking or gasping for air.
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Snore loudly.
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Awaken suddenly from sleep.
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Awake in a sweat.
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Feel fatigued and lethargic after sleeping all night.
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Experience headaches, sore throat, and/or dry mouth in the morning.
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Experience daytime sleepiness and fall asleep at odd times – like while driving or working.
OSA Health Problems and Risks
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Sleep deprivation
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Oxygen deprivation
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Depression
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Daytime drowsiness
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Falling asleep at work, while driving, or at other improper times
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Decreased sex drive
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Frequent need to urinate, usually at night
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Headaches in the morning
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High blood pressure
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Poor job performance
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Memory loss
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Pulmonary or systemic hypertension
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Heart arrhythmias & myocardial ischemia
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Cerbrovascula disease
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Nighttime heart attack (six times more likely than individuals without OSA)
Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Lipton can treat obstructive sleep apnea in many cases. He will choose the appropriate therapy for you based on your medical history, physical exam, and your polysomnography (sleep study). Dr. Lipton can create a custom oral appliance that holds the jaw and tongue forward to promote better airflow during sleep. An oral appliance must address an individual's unique jaw position, intraoral anatomy, and parafunctional habits such as nighttime grinding to be effective.
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