Obstructive Sleep Apnea Charlotte, NC
While snoring can be socially disruptive, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder that affects millions of Americans, and many more around the world. If you suffer from sleep apnea in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas, please call for a consultation with Dr. Ken Moore.
People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have disrupted sleep (ie: leading to a form of sleep deprivation caused by abnormal sleep architecture) and may suffer from intermittent low blood oxygen levels. This leads to chronic fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness, which places these patients at risk for motor vehicle accidents, slow reaction times, and inefficiencies during employment.
Studies that identify the possible abnormalities that predispose individuals to OSAS.
What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is contributed by tongue base narrowing (this narrowing resulting in part from genetics [ie: how the airway is shaped as a result of inheritance], and environmental influences (ie: weight gain, smoking, alcohol use). In each of these cases, the normal ability of the airway musculature to expand the airway (as a result of upper airway dilator muscle activity) is compromised. This narrowing causes rapid airflow, which over time stretches the soft palate and causes soft palate elongation (ie: secondary soft palate elongation).
During obstructive events (particularly when the patient lies on their back, and particularly during REM sleep) the tongue base and lateral pharyngeal walls collapse into the airway, thereby blocking airflow and causing obstruction. In many patients, this obstruction can significantly impair normal oxygenation of the bloodstream, and repeated attempts to ventilate against the closed airway causes tremendous changes in intrathoracic pressures.
These repeated attempts to ventilate against a closed airway, combined with desaturations of the bloodstream, impart significant stress to the heart, endothelium, and lungs and raises levels of circulating catecholamines and cortisol (contributing to hypertension and endothelial dysfunction). When the barometric sensors in the pharynx are stimulated due to this obstruction, the brain senses these disturbances and awakens the patients sleep to a lighter stage of sleep (this event is staged as an “arousal” during the sleep study); the arousal causes the obstruction in the throat to temporarily clear and the flow of air starts again, usually with a loud gasp.
This is a recurrent cycle, and may repeat many times during a given night (thereby forming the basis for scoring of a sleep study based upon the number of events [apneas {cessation of airflow for 10 seconds or longer}+ hypopneas {reduction of respiratory airflow by 30%, associated with a desaturation or arousal}]). Many patients inherit their airway and facial anatomy from their parents, however an above normal body mass index and obesity can add/ cause additional complications.
Repeated cycles of decreased oxygenation (and negative intra-thoracic pressures) lead to serious cardiovascular problems (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, right sided heart enlargement, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, stroke). Additionally, these individuals suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, and loss of concentration.
Upper airway obstruction occurs on a continuum, from a fully patent airway, to more significant narrowing. Slight airway narrowing produces rapid airflow that imparts energy to the soft palate thereby contributing energy that pulls at the most compliant portions of the upper airway (typically, the soft palate and lateral pharyngeal walls). When the resistance is overcome, the vibration that results is perceived as snoring. When the airway narrows further, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) occurs (most commonly seen in young women). Normal sleep architecture is disrupted in these patients due to high airway resistance, and these individuals suffer many of the same symptoms of sleep-deprived individuals. Further airway narrowing results in frank obstructive sleep apnea ranked on a scale from mild, moderate, to severe.
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Charlotte Oral Surgery
Patient Review by juliann R
The staff was very helpful as I has to have several teeth pulled on an emergemcy timeline. Grateful to all for this so I could go on a cruise with all my teeth! Bon Voyage
- juliann R
Patient Review by Aaron T
I would've never thought I would've been so happy getting a tooth extracted, The level of service they provided and the overall customer experience was amazing. My son have to get his wisdom teeth pulled, he's definitely coming to these guys. I never wrote a review before, but this team was great. I would strongly recommend using them in the future.
- Aaron T
Patient Review by DAVE L
Had urgent extractions that were more complicated than I thought would be. Excellent care & treatment. Highly recommend Dr. Moore and his staff
- DAVE L
Patient Review by GERALD W
The facility was very clean, they take covid 19 guidelines very serious, they took your temperature once you enter the facility also they had a sanitize station available to wipe your hands, and they didn't allow you to used the same pin after someone else. The staff who were working in the front office was very friendly . Dr. Ken Moore was awesome. Once I was taken to the back for my examine / assessment of my tooth extraction , Dr. Kent Moore thoroughly explain the procedure in layman terms, he did a great job and my recover was quick, no pain after surgery and minimum pain after the anesthesia wore off. Thank you Dr. Ken and your wonderful staff members that you continue to praise and give all the credit to they were awesome as well.
- GERALD W
Patient Review by Angela C. C
I had lip surgery in 2017. Dr. Moore performed it patiently and meticulously. The recovery period was stressful but, the outcome was better than I expected.
- Angela C. C
Patient Review by Marion Portet A
Excellent service. Everyone from reception area, nurses to the Doctor are very caring, courteous, friendly and helpful. Doctor Moore takes the time to explain procedures fully.
- Marion Portet A
Patient Review by Tina N
I had a great experience with this office. The doctor gave me options before my surgery, made me feel comfortable and answered all my questions. He did an amazing job for the procedure I had done. The office staff was outstanding - took great care of me, even called me the next day to see how I was feeling. I would definitely recommend this doctor and staff very highly.
- Tina N
Patient Review by Sarah D
The doctor and staff were excellent and I appreciate the good care. I would like to note that when someone is anxious about having work done, the ongoing loop on the TV of dental procedures is NOT helpful. It actually made me more nervous about the appointment. Please consider playing something else in the waiting room. Thank you.
- Sarah D
Patient Review by Sherena D
This was my first time ever getting a tooth pull. And I must said I would recommend this oral surgeon to anyone. I follow the instructions that was giving to me and I had no pain at all.
- Sherena D
Patient Review by Kevin N
The doctor was very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly, and the support of the staff made the whole process extremely simple.
- Kevin N
Patient Review by Bonnie H
Overall this was my second time visiting the office for a tooth extraction and I would highly recommend Dr Moore and Charlotte Oral Surgery for your dental surgery needs with no hesitation. Thanks Dr. Kent E. Moore !
- Bonnie H
Patient Review by Ken F
I am very pleased with Dr. Moore and his staff. Dr. Moore explained my particular process completely. I had local anesthesia and Dr. Moore kept me informed as to his progress. In my situation, I needed additional care after Dr. Moore had opened up the problem area. I had been informed of this possibility ahead of time, so I was completely at ease about this. Postoperatively, I was given complete information about what to expect as the area healed. Also, I was given a "goodie bag" with gauze packs and SockIt! to help with my postop care. Additionally, other small touches indicated concern for my wellbeing. In the lobby, a monitor played a loop of information about proper dental care. On the way to my procedure, the staff asked me if I would like to use the restroom, rather than me having to ask them. The restroom is private and spotless, which I appreciated.
- Ken F
Patient Review by Nolan C
Dr. Moore and his staff were outstanding, courteous and professional. I felt that my two extractions and comfort were their top priorities. If I need an oral surgeon in the future, it will definitely be with Dr. Moore.
- Nolan C
Patient Review by Marc B
Doctor Moore and his staff are amazing. This is the second time I had visited their office for a procedure and the level of service is SOS simply outrageous service
- Marc B
Patient Review by Isabel B
Dr. Moore and staff took excellent care of me before, during and after surgery. Having wisdom teeth out at age 11 is very scary. But they were gentle and held my hand thru it all. Recovery was a breeze. Thank you Dr. Moore.
- Isabel B
Patient Review by Daniel P
Very pleasant experience. Very professional and efficient staff.
- Daniel P
Patient Review by Julianna W
I didn't know an oral surgeon in Charlotte so I searched the internet and I'm glad I choose Dr Moore. He was very understanding and gentle and told me everything he was doing. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
- Julianna W
Patient Review by Hank W
I was surprised at how smoothly the entire process was.
- Hank W
Patient Review by Casey B
Doctor Moore and staff were funny and friendly, and helped make the wisdom tooth experience more enjoyable.
- Casey B
Patient Review by Melissa H
Dr. Moore exceeded my expectations. His staff was friendly and made my daughter feel safe and confident in what they were doing. They treated my 16 yr old with respect and took her anxiety concerns serious.
- Melissa H