What's up with Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that come in at adulthood.The teeth are named that, because you are at a more mature age than when your other teeth came in. Wisdom teeth vary in size and shape. You may have a couple, all four, or none at all. Many people have had their wisdom teeth removed as teenagers or young adults usually after orthodontic treatment. This is a preventative procedure done prior to the teeth coming in to avoid new crowding or a relapse of crowding. Wisdom teeth that are left to come in the mouth may have trouble along the way. Wisdom teeth can get trapped in the bone (impacted) or only a part of the tooth comes in due to lack of room. Wisdom teeth can cause even more problems as you get older. Periodontal disease can start around the wisdom teeth putting the teeth in front of them in jeopardy. These teeth are hard to clean and you may get an odor from them giving you chronic bad breath. Also, you're likely to get a cavity in one or more of them leading to costly dental repairs. Removing wisdom teeth when your young is a wise decision, because you are healthier and you will heal twice as fast than if you wait till your older. If you have any questions about your wisdom teeth call Envision Dental today!

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

     What is OSA?  Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a narrowing or total closure of the airway during sleep.  This happens because the tongue and soft tissue in the back of the mouth press backward on the airway when you lay down.  Most people are not even aware that they may be suffering from this condition and that it could be effecting daily life.  People who have OSA may have hundreds of episodes every night where the airway becomes completely blocked and they stop breathing for ten seconds or more.  The brain then recognizes the lack of oxygen and prompts the body to take a breath.

     The lack of deep sleep caused by OSA can severely stress your body's systems, most notably the cardiovascular system and your metabolism.  Because of the healing and recovery that takes place when we sleep, conditions like the following are often linked to OSA.  These include Obesity, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Erectile and other Sexual Dysfunctions, Stroke, Congestive Heart Failure and even Death.  Headaches, Depression and increased fatigue-related accidents can also be related to OSA.

   *  40-80% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA
   *  Untreated OSA patients are at a 40% greater risk of suffering depression
   *  If you have OSA, you are twice as likely to die in your sleep and 7 times more likely to have a  motor vehicle accident.
   *  Studies show that about 50% of people who snore also have OSA.


    Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea is frequently treated with a CPAP machine.  This is a device that increases air pressure in the throat by forcing oxygen through a mask that is worn over the nose and sometimes over the mouth as well.  This forced pressure in the throat prevents the airway from collapsing on the inhale during sleep, allowing for a more restful night for the wearer.  Many people with a CPAP machine do not use it on a nightly basis for a number of reasons.  The head gear required with a CPAP limits sleep positions and people who travel often find that it is not convenient to transport.  This device also requires electricity for use and has parts that need to be replaced on a regular basis and it can take some time to adjust to the sounds it makes.  We often hear that patients do not like their CPAP and choose not to wear it.

     Dr. Berard has special training in treating OSA with a device that is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.  This device is called the SomnoDent(R) MAS; it is highly effective in treating sleep apnea and it is convenient to use.  The SomnoDent(R) is an oral appliance specially fitted to your mouth and teeth.  It consists of a separate upper and lower piece that allows you to speak, yawn and drink.  The SomnoDent(R) MAS allows treatment of mild, moderate and severe OSA by moving the lover jaw slightly forward.  This creates a slight tightening of the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which prevents obstruction when sleeping.  It also prevents the tissues of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them, which is a major cause of snoring. 
     If you know you snore, if you find yourself exhausted when you wake up, easily fall asleep while reading, watching tv or sitting inactive in a public place like a movie theatre or meeting, it would be wise to see Dr. Berard to see if you are suffering from OSA.  Please call the office today at 231-933-9000.