Sleep Apnea
Understanding the Condition
What Happens During Sleep Apnea
With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the tongue and soft tissues relax during sleep and collapse against the back of the throat, blocking the airway. Airflow stops until the brain briefly wakes you to reopen it, often with a loud gasp, and the cycle repeats through the night. A milder version, called Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), causes many of the same symptoms.
Know the Signs
Symptoms Worth Taking Seriously
Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Trouble concentrating
Low mood or irritability
Over time, strain on heart health
Because untreated OSA is linked to serious cardiovascular problems, it's worth addressing. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, often with a sleep study, and Dr. De Oliveira is happy to work alongside your doctor as part of your care.
The Dental Solution
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
For snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, a custom-fitted oral appliance is often a comfortable alternative to a CPAP machine. Dr. De Oliveira offers the EMA® (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance, which gently repositions the lower jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Why patients like the EMA®
- Custom-fit and adjustable, with interchangeable elastics
- Allows natural side-to-side jaw movement
- Compact, quiet, and travel-friendly—no machine or mask
Tooth Pain? We're Here to Help.
Whether your tooth can be saved or needs to be removed, Dr. De Oliveira will guide you through every option with comfort and care. Schedule a visit today.
