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Polysomnography symptoms include sleeplessness, daytime drowsiness, snoring, and frequent nighttime awakenings.
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Sleeplessness, daytime drowsiness, snoring, and frequent nighttime awakenings are all possible results of sleep disorders. The causes of these disorders can range from stress or drug induced insomnia to sleep apnea. The root of the problem may be stress or physiology. A doctor or dentist will have no sure way of knowing the cause of the patient's symptoms without a definitive diagnostic test. If a patient begins to exhibit sleep disorder symptoms, they will likely be referred to a sleep clinic for an overnight sleep study call polysomnography.
Polysomnography is a non-invasive, painless procedure that is as easy on the patient as a night's sleep, since that is just what it is. Through a referral from a doctor or dentist, the patient will consult with the doctors at the sleep center. There, an appoinment will be set for the patient to come in overnight for the study itself. There are no drugs involved in polysomnography because they would interfer with normal sleeping patterns. Prior to the sleep study, the patient is instructed to stay away from any caffeine, alcohol, or drugs which he does not usually take. The patient should also keep a normal sleeping schedule in the days leading up to the polysomnography and to eschew heavy exercise the day of the study. Any of these factors could lead to a false diagnosis of sleep apnea or insomnia.
During the study, electrodes are placed on and around the face. These measure face and eye movement which can signal to the sleep doctor that the patient has entered a phase of sleep call Rapid Eye Movement (REM). Sometimes, especially if the referral comes from a dentist who suspects bruxism or tooth grinding, a sensor near the jaw muscles will also be placed. Other sensors will likely be placed on the chest to measure heart rate, and straps around the abdomen and chest will determine breathing rate. The patient's brain waves will also be monitored to gauge the depth of sleep and the cycles through which the patient is going during the night's polysomnography. Occationally, if a patient complains of snoring, a microphone or video camera may be placed in the room. This gives the patient and doctor an eyeful and an earful of what the patient is doing in his sleep.
Through the results of polysomnography, the cause of sleeplessness can be narrowed down. Negative polysomnography results indicate that no sleep disorder is exhibited, but a positive result will lead to a diagnosis of a sleep disorder. If the suspect is sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea snoring, the patient might have to undergo a second night of polysomnography to again measure breathing rate and oxygen flow levels. If the lung pressure stops during the night several times, central sleep apnea is the root, and the cause lies within the brain. If there is constant pressure from the lungs, but the patient is not getting enough or any oxygen, obstructive sleep apnea, with a physical blockage of the airway is likely the cause. A dentist, oral surgeon, or orthodontist can then be consulted for treatment. Should he be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea after the polysomnography, the patient must realize that either a sleep apnea oral appliance or obstructive sleep apnea surgery is likely. By seeking treatment from an experienced oral surgeon or dentist, success rates increase.
What is the cost or prices of polysomnography procedure?
The cost or pricing of any dental procedure depends upon a number of factors, including the number of teeth to be treated and the unique challenges of the procedure. The Medical Center Dental Group of Texas charges competitive rates for this, and all other procedures we perform. More importantly, we will give your case the care and attention it deserves.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth O’Sullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services.
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