The sound that occurs when oral tissues vibrate while a person sleeps is called snoring.

Also called OSA, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer, repeatedly during a sleep session.

Soft tissues in the mouth and throat collapse to block airflow, and because the body needs to breathe, the brain says, “Wake up!”. The OSA sufferer awakens, fully or partially, to reinitiate breathing. This constant waking prevents deep REM sleep, which is required to adequately refuel the body.

Many factors contribute to the potential for having OSA or snoring. These include but are not limited to being overweight, heredity, physical problems (deviated septum, for instance), and congestion. Men over the age of 40 are more prone to OSA than other people. However, anyone, even children, can snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Polancich works with a sleep lab and sleep medicine doctors for clinically diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. In most cases, a patient will need to undergo a sleep study for accurate diagnosis.

Sleep dentistry involves prescribing a custom oral appliance that a patient wears during sleep. The oral appliance holds the jaw slightly forward to prevent soft tissues from blocking airflow during a sleep session. This simple, comfortable solution has helped countless people enjoy restful nights and more productive days. People who cannot tolerate wearing a CPAP machine often find an oral appliance effective.

Schedule your sleep apnea and snoring cessation consultation by calling 859-278-8419 today. As a cosmetic, restorative, and general dentist, Dr. Robert W. Polancich cares for families in Nicholasville, Winchester, Richmond, Georgetown, Lexington, and beyond. Our dental office is conveniently located across from the Central Baptist Hospital on the corner of Rosemont and Nicholasville Road. We love to welcome new patients to our practice and can’t wait to see you!