What Are My Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, finding the right treatment method can be crucial to improving your ability to rest at night and function well during the day. Typically, a sleep study is conducted in order to discover the type and severity of your sleep apnea before deciding upon a treatment plan. Depending upon your unique condition, your dentist can recommend a treatment that can best meet your needs.

There are two major types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by a block in airflow due to a temporary collapse of the throat’s soft tissues. Conversely, central sleep apnea (CSA) is characterized by a failure of the brain to communicate properly with the muscles used to breath while sleeping. After we determine which type of sleep apnea you suffer from, we can present you with a number of treatment options.

For many patients, the use of a customized mandibular advancement oral appliance, such as a Narval CC, is sufficient to alleviate sleep apnea and the associated symptoms. We confirm the appliance is comfortable and effective by retesting our patients sleep with an easy home sleep test. More severe cases may entail the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask hooked up to a machine at night to aid in the breathing process and help ensure the airways remain open. Though these more conservative treatment options are our primary resources when treating sleep apnea, surgery can be performed should these options prove ineffective.

Since sleep apnea can have such a serious impact on your sleep, your health, and your overall quality of life, finding the best treatment option for you is essential. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment at Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.

— Dr. Cathy J. Santone