Philadelphia Periodontist Discusses Five Signs of Sleep Apnea and How to Treat It

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 15, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects about 18 million Americans and often can be corrected with a simple oral device.

There are at least five signs and symptoms that a person may suffer from sleep apnea, said Philadelphia Periodontist Dr. David DiGiallorenzo.

Choking and Gasping During Sleep
People with sleep apnea often exhibit this behavior as they struggle to get air into their lungs.

Frequent Silences During Sleep
This condition is called apnea, and it occurs when the person stops breathing while they sleep. With obstructive sleep apnea, the throat collapses during sleep, which blocks the airway and prevents the person from breathing. The collapse prevents the brain from getting the necessary oxygen and can lead to more serious problems over time, including heart disease, learning/memory problems, sexual dysfunction and high blood pressure.

Sudden Awakenings
Once people stop breathing for a time, they suddenly wake up to restart breathing.

Loud Snoring
The snoring is a result of an obstructed airway, but just because a person snores does not always indicate that he/she has sleep apnea. However, most people with sleep apnea also are loud snorers, according to Helpguide.org.

Daytime Sleepiness
Sleep apnea sufferers often complain of never feeling rested and refreshed after a night's sleep. They may fall asleep at inappropriate times as a result of it, DiGiallorenzo said. This is because of the fitful sleep they get nightly from the apnea, combined with gasping or choking and sudden awakenings.

DiGiallorenzo, a Philadelphia dental implants expert, treats many sleep apnea Patients with a device called Silent Nite. This is a flexible, custom-made device comprised of plastic bite trays for the upper and lower teeth that helps prevent snoring. The Silent Nite does so by keeping the lower jaw in a protruded position. When worn, the Patient still can open and close his/her mouth freely.

"A lot of sleep apnea sufferers find other treatment methods, such as the CPAP machine, uncomfortable to sleep in," he said. "But this is comfortable because it is customized for each individual Patient."

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about sleep apnea treatment or you would like to schedule a consultation with one of the Philadelphia periodontists at DiGiallorenzo's office, please call (610) 409-6064 in Collegeville; (570) 322-4741 in Williamsport; or visit his Web site: http://www.perioimplants.us/.

About Dr. David Digiallorenzo
Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or "Dr. D,", Pennsylvania Periodontics specialist graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

He is a Past associate clinical professor at the University of Pennsylvania in the DePartment of Periodontics. He teaches nationally and internationally and is a regular contributor to dental literature.

Dr. D's private practice in suburban Philadelphia concentrates on periodontics, dental implantology, advanced reconstructive case management and TMJ treatment. It is a unique dental spa with two full-time massage therapists that specialize in reflexology, reiki, massage, aromatherapy and homeopathy. This combination creates a relaxed, optimal healing response.
Dr. D has two office locations: 184 W. Main St., Ste. 200, in Collegeville,PA; and 121 E. Fourth St. in Williamsport,PA.

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