A patient who has Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA) stops breathing repeatedly while sleeping. For some, this may happen hundreds of times in one night. In many cases, a patient may be unaware that anything is wrong because they are asleep. The first indication that a problem exists is when the patient tells the Sleep Apnea Dentist Manhattan Beach that their partner complains about excessive snoring. This is a predominant symptom identified with sleep apnea, but observed episodes of not breathing and excessive daytime sleepiness are also common symptoms. Sleep apnea is a serious health concern for millions of Americans.
The most common form of sleep apnea is OSA. The patient’s airway becomes blocked when soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and closes off air flow. The traditional treatment for OSA has been the use of a CPAP (or Continuous Positive Air Pressure) device that uses pressurized air to keep the airway open. This is very effective method for many patients, but many find it cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. Research shows that, for this reason, less than half of patients diagnosed with OSA actually use their CPAP device on a regular basis.
The Sleep Apnea Dentist Manhattan Beach can often successfully treat qualified OSA patients with custom oral appliances that keep the airway open and are much more comfortable. This appliance is custom-made to reposition the lower jaw and tongue. It can be very effective in treating the causes and the resulting symptoms of OSA.
Many of our patients who used a CPAP mask and qualify for the use of this simple oral appliance are amazed that a treatment provided by their dentist can effectively address OSA. One reason for its effectiveness is the fact that patients tend to actually use the appliance, unlike CPAP masks that frequently go unused by the patient because of associated discomfort. Our objective is to provide treatment is as effective as CPAP only much more comfortable.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can work with you and your specific situation to drastically reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea symptoms.
