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. While sleep apnea appliances are the go-to method of treatment for 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 apnea. 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, 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.
Treatment for Central and Complex Sleep Apnea
For those patients who are determined to have central and 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. Sleep apneics suffering from central 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 treatment for sleep apnea in Denver is easy, though you want to ensure that the sleep dentist you choose is well versed in recommending the appropriate types of treatment methods. For a dentist you can rely on for your sleep apnea treatment, choose Dr. Kevin Berry. Not only will he work with a sleep doctor who can properly diagnose your condition, he will also work closely with you to decide which sleep apnea treatment method will provide you with the best possible results. With the right treatment your nights will become much more restful. 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.
