Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea / Snoring

Dr. Ali Maddahi received Sleep Apnea training at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (Dental Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency program).

What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a common condition in which your breathing stops and restarts (disruption of breathing during sleep) preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. It usually occurs 5 or more times while sleeping and last at least 10 seconds.

What Is Snoring? Snoring is the loud sound when the airway in the oropharynx region is obstructed, referred to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is due to retrusion of the mandible, tongue and tissues. Snoring is one of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often characterized by loud noises followed by periods of silence when breathing stops or nearly stops.

What Causes Sleep Apnea? The causes of sleep apnea are obstructive (OSA) and central (CSA). Trained dentists can help patients with obstructive sleep apnea by providing oral devices to help patients breathe better.