Sleep Disorders Dentistry
Dr. Firouzian in Columbus, Ohio, is one of a select few dentists
in the country with equipment to screen you for a potentially
serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. This is a
condition whereby a person stops breathing for more than 10
seconds at a time throughout the night. Undiagnosed, it can lead
to cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart
attacks, stroke and even obesity and depression. The vast majority of people who snore
have obstructive sleep apnea.
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Why Do We Snore?
10%-30% of all adults snore, and many snorers may experience
physical problems. Snoring can greatly reduce the ability to
sleep well. There are different stages of sleep, and you must
spend enough time in deep sleep to experience a restful night.
Loud snoring can be a sign of upper airway resistance syndrome.
As a result, you may feel tired throughout the day.
Snoring may be noisy and seem harmless. However, it could also
be the sign of a serious sleep disorder breathing condition such
as upper airway resistance syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea.
Snoring is considered a major indicator of obstructive sleep
apnea. Risk factors include weight gain, age, family history and
anatomic abnormalities.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." People
with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during
their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and
often for a minute or longer. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is
caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue
in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep.
OSA Treatment
Dr. Firouzian has taken an interest in treating people with
sleep apnea. This has been a
very fulfilling part of his career due to the life altering
results it provides for patients suffering many years from sleep
apnea. Dr. Firouzian in Columbus, Ohio works closely with sleep
specialists in treating OSA patients.
