Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

                                         

Mild To Moderate Sleep Apnea

·       Lose weight

·       Quit smoking

·       Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives

·       Avoid caffeine and heavy meals with 2 hours of going to bed

·       Exercise regularly, maintain regular sleep hours

·       Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)-dental device that fits inside the mouth, like an athletic mouth guard. OAT is a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea. OAT is comfortable, easy to wear, quiet, portable and convenient for travel.

Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea

·       Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)-machine is used with a variety of breathing masks that cover the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keep the breathing passages open while sleeping.  CPAP machines are being updated and improved; they are lighter, quieter and more comfortable.

·       Sleep Apnea Implants-one of the newest treatments; involves the insertion of a pacemaker system that stimulates muscle to keep airways open for breathing during sleep.

·       Surgery-increase the size of the airway; risks of complications and infections.

Glendora dentist, Dr. Anna Lee, is a trained dentist in Sleep Apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr.Anna Lee performs an airway assessment and Sleep Apnea evaluation.  Dr.Anna Lee also conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  If you have any questions, please call for a free consultation at 626-335-5114 or visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com

Are You Impacted By Sleep Apnea

                          

   Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP machines are used with a variety of breathing masks. They are most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.

CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches.  If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the massive c-pap machine. 

                                                             Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.  The AASM also recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices.  Another option for people with severe OSA is combination therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

For more information contact, Dr. Anna Lee and her team!