It’s important to remember that the type of sleep apnea you have, and how severe your sleep apnea is, will determine what treatment is most suitable for you. Certain factors increase your risk of developing sleep apnea, including obesity, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Being aware of these risk factors can help you better manage your condition. While oral appliances are the go-to method of treatment for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, there are various kinds of treatment for sleep apnea available that may be needed for your condition. With this said, it may be helpful for you to understand some of the main differences between sleep apnea devices.
Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
When it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the sleep disorder. Dr. Berry will first determine what is causing your airway to narrow while you are sleeping. Sometimes obstructive sleep apnea is caused by something as small as the way you sleep or a health condition you are dealing with, such as a respiratory infection. Sometimes something as simple as a behavioral change may be all that is necessary.
If untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even type 2 diabetes. Addressing your sleep apnea early on is key to reducing these risks.
If, after reviewing your sleep study results, Dr. Berry feels that your obstructive sleep apnea can be effectively treated with an oral sleep apnea appliance, he will then work with you to identify just how much an oral appliance must reposition your jaw to pull the tongue and jaw forward so that while you are sleeping at night, your throat and airway are free of any sort of blockage that may cause you to stop breathing. We custom-fit your oral appliance with iTero digital scans. No need to bite into a tray of goop to get a custom appliance.
In some cases, factors such as genetics and obesity may be the cause of, or at least a contributing factor in your obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Berry will discuss treatment options with you to ensure that your sleep apnea is properly taken care of. An alternative method of treatment for those with obstructive sleep apnea may be weight-loss with the help of special diets or weight-loss surgery.
In addition to oral appliances, other treatment devices like Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) can help manage obstructive sleep apnea by gently repositioning the jaw to improve airflow.
Treatment for Central and Complex Sleep Apnea
For those patients who are determined to have central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea, many times Dr. Berry will gather help from a sleep physician and possibly other health professionals to decide on a treatment plan. These patients are usually set up with a CPAP machine. Though these machines have not proven to be the most comfortable or easy to live with, they have become widely used and are known for their effectiveness when a patient is able to comply with the treatment. Patients suffering from central sleep apnea may require more specialized care, often involving a sleep physician and dental sleep medicine providers to create a personalized treatment plan. Sleep apneics suffering from central sleep apnea or complex sleep apnea can also use the TAP-PAP oral sleep apnea appliance in conjunction with their CPAP.
Need Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Denver?
Finding effective treatment for sleep apnea in Denver is easy when you choose a sleep dentist who is well-versed in recommending the right treatment methods. Dr. Kevin Berry is the trusted dentist you can rely on for your sleep apnea treatment. He works closely with a sleep physician to properly diagnose your condition and determine which treatment option will give you the best results.
With the right treatment, not only will your nights become more restful, but you’ll also experience an improvement in your overall quality of life. Effective sleep apnea treatment can lead to better sleep, increased daytime energy, and a reduction in the risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
To get started, call our Denver office at (303) 691-0267 to set up an appointment for proven treatment for sleep apnea. We also offer an online contact form to make reaching us even more convenient for you.
Self Screening: Do You Have Problems Sleeping?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
This self-administered test is used to determine your level of daytime sleepiness which can be caused by sleep apnea.
