IRVINE, Calif.--Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by a cessation of breathing during sleep. For those suffering from sleep apnea, these episodes often last longer than 10 seconds and occur throughout the night and can cause high blood pressure, heart attack and even death.
These types of sleep disorders affect millions of Americans. Conservative estimates are as many as 20 million U.S. adults are affected by sleep apnea. Because Dr. Brown and Dr. Kushner feel very strongly about helping those affected by sleep apnea, they have added the Epworth Sleepiness Scale assessment to their online services. This online test is available to anyone at their website: www.brownkushner.com/sleepapnea.htm and can help determine the level of daytime sleepiness a person has.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale does not take the place of a professional assessment, but instead, is there to help the average person find out if he or she should seek further medical attention for this serious condition. The questions included in the Epworth Questionnaire highlight those symptoms that can occur with sleep apnea like snoring, daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, nausea, falling asleep while driving, clouded memory, and weight gain. With complications from sleep apnea that can include hypertension, cardio vascular disease, headaches, and depression, Dr. Brown and Dr. Kushner want those suffering from sleep apnea to get the medical help they so desperately need.
While most people have heard of sleep apnea, many are unaware that a trained dentist can treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). A dentist is an important team member in the treatment of sleep apnea since the dentist can use oral appliances which are non-invasive and often times more effective and less costly than surgery.
In the field of sleep medicine, the dental profession has the opportunity to expand its sphere of influence by practicing true preventative medicine by impacting the overall quality and quantity of patients’ lives. By simply having the fundamental knowledge and the ability to recognize sleep disorders like sleep apnea, dentists can profoundly influence the health of patients. Screening for snoring and sleep apnea should be part of every health history and exam.
As dental professionals, there is a personal relationship with patients unlike that of most health care providers and it becomes the responsibility of the dentist to ensure that diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea is instituted.
About Dr. Brown and Dr. Kushner
Dr. Gerald Kushner is trained in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Together with his partner Dr. Charles Brown, they offer more than 50 years of combined experience in both Conservation Cosmetics and Neuromuscular Dentistry. Dr. Brown and Dr. Kushner’s services include same day CAD-CAM computer generated crowns, Custom Athletic Mouthguards, TMJ Disorders, Dental Implants, Veneers, and Teeth Whitening.
For more information on sleep apnea and treatment options or other dental services, visit http://www.brownkushner.com/sleepapnea.htm or contact Dr. Gerald Kushner at (949) 833-8020.
Contacts:
Dr. Gerald Kushner
16100 Sand Canyon Avenue, Suite 380
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 833-8020
Fax: (949) 833-3862
