Center for Facial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine

Is Snoring Normal?

noemail@tmjtexas.com — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:00:00 GMT

Is snoring normal?

Snoring is a normal part of the human sleep experience for most people. But there lurks a hidden danger in thinking it should not be evaluated. This danger is Sleep Apnea. Excessive snoring is a compelling symptom associated with Sleep Apnea and people who regularly snore should definitely be screened for this not so silent disorder.

Snoring has long been thought of as simply an irritant for the bed partner but in recent years much has been learned about the real dangers that snoring indicates. The actual sound known as snoring is caused by the vibration of the walls of the throat. Usually, this vibration occurs when the tongue falls back in the throat, prompted by loose muscle tone and weight gain, and the walls of the throat collapse. This results in a restriction of airflow and triggers the brain to make the chest work harder in order to get more air through the narrow airway. This generates a much greater speed of air than normal and causes the tissues of the throat and the back of the mouth to vibrate.

When a person suffers from Sleep Apnea this process can become deadly by constricting the airway so severely that the individual frequently stops breathing throughout the night. The decrease of oxygen caused by narrowing of the airway and the drop in pressure in the chest cavity caused by the collapsing airway often leads to heart problems, type2 diabetes, strokes and most often daytime fatigue. This fatigue is usually shrugged off by most as “just getting old” or “normal”, but in fact daytime fatigue is a major cause of driving accidents on the road today and it is a huge contributing factor in the obesity epidemic that is overwhelming our society.

The good news is it can and should be treated. Snoring must be evaluated by a Medical or Dental Sleep Specialist and only a qualified practitioner can diagnose a sleep-related health threat, or determine if it is something that just needs to be watched for future changes.

The importance of consulting a doctor can not be overemphasized. It may very well save your life. In the very least, it will improve your quality of life and certainly make for a much happier bed partner!

17-Dec-07 2:00 PM

Doctor Resources

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:46:15 GMT

Webinars No Frills TMJ Course Book Listen to the full recording Introduction to Dental Sleep Medicine Course Book Listen to the full recording New developments in Bruxism Listen now to Dr. Prehn's Podcast! No Frills TMD for the RDH Check back for updated topics! University of Texas Medical Branch Correctional Managed Care - Winter Conference Presentations Dental Sleep Medicine as it applies to Sleep Disordered Breathing Upper airway resistance syndrome as it relates to bruxism and TMJ Assessment of SDB and TMJ The DDS and MD Relationship in Sleep Medicine Check Out this featured article in the May 2007 TDA Journal! SLEEPLESS IN TEXAS by Ronald S. Prehn, D.D.S Referral Form Articles & Abstracts Forms Register for Seminars i-Cat Information Contact Dr. Prehn Note:...

Wisconsin Dental Sleep Medicine, P.C. - Wausau, WI

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:07:40 GMT

413 Jefferson Street Wausau, WI 54403 715-845-6419 Click here for map and directions Ronald S. Prehn, D.D.S. Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine is proud to announce that he is now accepting new patients with sleep disorders and snoring concerns. Dental Sleep Medicine is a new and emerging field in dentistry that offers patients advanced treatment options, alternatives to CPAP and enriched quality of life. Click here for our WISCONSIN NEW PATIENT FORMS Ask us about our Snoring/Sleep Apnea Pre-Screening Program

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:35:04 GMT

TAP III ® (Thornton Adjustable Positioner appliance) One of many types of oral mandibular advancement splints (MAS), as treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. This appliance is based on the same principles as cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. As the tongue falls back into the throat, it causes a constricted or collapsed airway which results in snoring and/or sleep apnea. The TAPÒ holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall back during the night and cause the airway to collapse. Maintaining an open airway reduces snoring, improves breathing, decreases many health risks and results in a better nights sleep with less daytime fatigue. TAP-PAP Ò For some, like the most severe cases, a MAS is insufficient, or the side effects are a medical concern. Then a CPAP machine is necessary to open the airway. The most prevalent problem for people who have to have a CPAP is the leakage...

Register for Seminars

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:44:34 GMT

Ron, you did a great job at the sleep course... you made us dentists proud! - Stephen A. Buehler, D.D.S. Fall 2008 New Developments in Bruxism Online Webinar October 8, 2008 5:30PM-6:30PM Frontiers in TAP-CPAP Interface Las Vegas, NV November 15, 2008 Look for Dr. Prehn as a featured speaker at 2009's Star of the South in Houston, Texas! Check back for more information!! Houston, Sleep Education Consortium's 4th Annual Sleep Education Conference February 2009

Sleep Disorder and Snoring Screening Program

Tue, 27 May 2008 14:01:21 GMT

Apnea Risk Screening Questionnaire Step 1: Click here SLEEP SCREENING Step 2: Enter the following Username and Password. Username: DrPrehn Password: patient ** Login is case sensitive** Step 3: Click the Quest button and reenter the login information above. Step 4: Complete the screener...

The Dangers of Snoring

Wed, 21 May 2008 17:08:10 GMT

Snoring Defined: vibrating noise coming from oropharyngeal structures that are most otably the vibration of the soft palate, uvula and pharygeal walls as a result of the collapse of the airway. Dr. Ronald S. Prehn The Danger of snoring is the last few words of the definition as a result of the collapse of the airway. There are several principles of flow dynamics at play in this dynamic process, but the one to understand is the Bernoulli’s principle. As the speed of a moving fluid (liquid or gas) increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. Wikipedia Like a shower curtain that collapses into you (from decrease pressure) as you turn on the shower (increased velocity). Watch this Video: Therefore the dangers of snoring are related to the fact that snoring may be an early indication of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The following conditions are known to either be caused by OSA or aggravated by OSA: Heart disease High blood...

Success Stories

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:24:21 GMT

I am writing to tell you how much you blessed me in the two times I was seen in your office so far. You and your staff were so kind and gentle with me I wanted to give everyone a big hug. It is so rare to have that kind of spirit of love in an office. Thank you for being understanding and sympathetic to your patients. You truly made me feel right at home. – Tiffany Experiencing TMJ was pretty traumatic for me, but with the help of Dr. Prehn and his staff, after a year, my symptoms have almost completely subsided. Nice to know if I have a problem they are only a phone call away. – Diane Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my recent visit. The feeling I was your only patient and you had all the time in the world to help me feel better is like the mastercard commercial says, this is priceless. Bless you all – Thelma ...

Health Editorials

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:14:44 GMT

by Christyna

Is Sleep Overrated?

Do you find yourself yawning and rubbing your eyes frequently throughout the day? This may be because your body is not getting the deep sleep you need in order to function correctly throughout the entire day. There could be many reasons for this. One of the most common reasons is sleep apnea....Click to continue.

Articles & Abstracts

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:36:10 GMT

TMJ / Facial Pain Clinical Signs of TMJ Osteoarthrosis and Internal Derangement 30 Years After Nonsurgical Treatment - Reny de Leeuw, D.D.S.;Geert Boering, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Boudewijn Stegenga, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Lambert G.M. de Bont, D.D.S., Ph.D. A Change of Occlusal Conditions After Splint Therapy for Bruxers with and Without Pain in the Masticatory Muscles - Tetsunori Fujii, D.D.S, Ph.D.; Tetsurou Torisu, D.D.S., Ph.D.; Shigeru Nakamura, D.D.S. Relationship Between the TMJ Disc and Condyle Position on MRI and Occlusal Contacts on Lateral Excursions in TMD Patients - N. Taşkaya-ilmaz; M.Öğütcen-Toller; Y.Ş. Saraç Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment Outcomes: Second Report of a Large-Scale Prospective Clinical Study - Donald T. Brown, D.D.S., M.S.; Elmer L. Gaudet, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.D. Effect of a Full-Arch Maxillary Occlusal Splint on Parafunctional Activity During Sleep in Patients with Nocturnal Bruxism and Signs and Symptoms of Craniomandibular Disorders -...

Home Left Column

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:00:29 GMT

Learn about Facial Pain & TMJ treatment options Are your headaches normal? Snoring?? Find out why ARTICLES OF INTEREST Sleep Hygiene Advice Learn about increasing your sleep drive, keeping a daily rhythm, controlling drug effects and more... More Sleep Hygiene Advice... Why Is Pain A Gift...

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noemail@tmjtexas.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 20:30:50 GMT

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The TAP nasal pillows and CPAP (TAP-PAP) are a wonderful combination. It is comfortable, quiet and effective. My feeling of well-b

Mon, 19 May 2008 21:30:08 GMT

"The TAP nasal pillows and CPAP (TAP-PAP) are a wonderful combination. It is comfortable, quiet and effective. My feeling of well-being and alertness has vastly improved due to the treatment."

– Sharon

It is such a blessing, the care you have given to my patients and myself. –

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:58:32 GMT

"It is such a blessing, the care you have given to my patients and myself."

– Dr. Hermione A. White

For years I have been experiencing a pounding sound and loss of hearing in my ears. Not all the time but usually in th

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:28:59 GMT

"For years I have been experiencing a pounding sound and loss of hearing in my ears. Not all the time but usually in the evenings. All I could do is go to bedto escaoe it. After using the splint mouth guard for only a couple of months I no longer experience the pounding or hearing loss.

-Sandy

I'm amazed! I have been a Christian all of my life, but I cannot remem

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:24:54 GMT

"I'm amazed! I have been a Christian all of my life, but I cannot remember a time a total stranger gave me something I desperately needed. I wanted to thank you again. Lately, not much has gone my way...God was smiling on me the day I met you. So, thank you so much and may God bless you."

- Ginnie

Thanks for going the extra mile for our patients!

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:07:51 GMT

"Thanks for going the "extra mile" for our patients!"

- Susan at Dr. Jones office

I wanted to drop you this line and tell you thanks for your incredible attention to detail and wonderful att

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:06:26 GMT

"I wanted to drop you this line and tell you "thanks" for your incredible attention to detail and wonderful attitude while we were in your office. We both look forward to seeing you again very soon."

- Rick

I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the gift you and your wonderful office have given me. Since

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:05:54 GMT

"I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the gift you and your wonderful office have given me. Since beginning splint therapy on January 7, I have been headache free. This is really something for me to celebrate, because I have not been headache free for the last fifteen years…this is truly a blessing and has improved my life beyond belief. I only hope others like me who have suffered for so many years can find out about the great work you and your staff do at your office."

- Karen

Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my rece

Mon, 07 May 2007 20:05:21 GMT

"Just had to let you know how much I appreciated the atmosphere of warmth and caring experienced during my recent visit. The feeling I was your only patient and you had all the time in the world to help me feel better is like the mastercard commercial says, this is priceless. Bless you all"

- Thelma

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2007-03-14T20:30:50Z

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