Sleep Apnea Treatment

It can be treated with lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, breathing devices, and/or surgery.

When breathing is paused or becomes shallow, one will often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep, making the quality of sleep poor.

Many patients suffering from sleep apnea can find relief using a custom removable Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) appliance, which adjusts the position of the lower jaw and tongue to minimize airway obstruction. OAT is often an effective alternative to CPAP for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

For moderate to severe sleep apnea, a breathing device called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or surgery to widen the breathing passages by shrinking, stiffening, or removing excess tissue in the mouth and throat or resetting the lower jaw may be helpful. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose and gently blows air into your throat. This air pressure helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Surgery to shrink the tissue involves a small shot into the breathing passages. Surgery to stiffen excess tissue requires a small incision in the tissue and inserting a piece of stiff plastic.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our office at 603-673-3332.