SLEEP APNEA
Why Patients Choose the Center
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Board Certified in Dental Sleep Medicine
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Board Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist
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Master's Degree in Physical Therapy
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Comprehensive evaluation of both airway and jaw function
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Expertise managing patients with sleep apnea and TMJ disorders
Understanding Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know
Could Sleep Apnea Be Affecting Your Health?
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Loud snoring
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Daytime fatigue
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Morning headaches
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Difficulty concentrating
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Waking up gasping for air
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High blood pressure
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Poor sleep quality despite spending enough time in bed
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common but often under diagnosed condition that can affect sleep quality, cardiovascular health, energy levels, and overall well-being. A sleep study is required to diagnose sleep apnea and determine the severity of the condition.
Some patients experience significant sleep disruption and daytime symptoms despite having a relatively low apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Conditions such as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) can also contribute to fatigue, poor sleep quality, and headaches.
Why Is Treatment Important?
Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with:
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High blood pressure
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Atrial fibrillation
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Type 2 diabetes
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Excessive daytime sleepiness
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Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
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Reduced quality of life
Not every patient experiences these complications, but identifying and treating sleep apnea can improve both sleep quality and overall health.
Sleep Apnea and Headaches
Many patients are surprised to learn that untreated sleep apnea can contribute to morning headaches, migraines, and chronic head and neck pain. Repeated oxygen drops and sleep fragmentation throughout the night can place stress on the nervous system and may trigger or worsen headache disorders in susceptible individuals.
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If you suffer from morning headaches, wake feeling unrested, or have headaches that have been difficult to control despite traditional treatment, a sleep evaluation may be an important part of identifying contributing factors. In some patients, successful treatment of sleep apnea can lead to a significant reduction in headache frequency and severity.
Why See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea?
Oral Appliance Therapy is a recognized treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. These custom appliances work by gently repositioning the lower jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep.
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Dr. Jurash is board-certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and has extensive experience treating both sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. Because oral appliances affect the jaw joints and muscles, her background in Orofacial Pain provides a unique advantage when evaluating patients with pre-existing TMJ issues or managing jaw symptoms that may develop during treatment.
What to Expect
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Sleep Study Review
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Review of your sleep study results and diagnosis, including obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and snoring when applicable.
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Airway and TMJ Evaluation
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Assessment of airway anatomy, jaw structure, bite, and TMJ health.
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Functional airway assessment using a George Gauge while lying in a position similar to sleep. By temporarily advancing the lower jaw, Dr. Jurash can assess whether airflow improves and snoring decreases, helping determine whether Oral Appliance Therapy is likely to be effective while also evaluating TMJ comfort.
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Treatment Planning
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Discussion of CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy, positional therapy, weight management, and referrals when appropriate.
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​Determination of whether Oral Appliance Therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your specific anatomy, sleep study findings, and treatment goals.
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Custom Appliance Therapy
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Fabrication, delivery, adjustment, and ongoing monitoring of your appliance.
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Home sleep testing to verify treatment effectiveness.​
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Oral Appliances for the treatment of Sleep Apnea
​Dr. Jurash utilizes several FDA-cleared oral appliance systems, including ProSomnus and Serena Sleep, allowing treatment to be customized to each patient's anatomy, comfort preferences, and treatment goals. Many patients appreciate that oral appliances are small, portable, quiet, and do not require electricity, making them convenient for travel.
What If I Have TMJ Problems?
Many patients are concerned that an oral appliance may worsen an existing TMJ disorder. While jaw symptoms can occasionally occur during treatment, most patients with stable TMJ conditions can successfully use Oral Appliance Therapy when properly monitored.
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As a board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist and Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Jurash has specialized training in both sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. This unique combination allows her to evaluate whether Oral Appliance Therapy is an appropriate treatment option for patients with a history of TMJ problems and, when indicated, modify treatment to help minimize stress on the jaw joints and muscles. Careful monitoring throughout treatment helps maximize both comfort and treatment success.