Midwest Dental Sleep Center

Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that disrupts breathing during sleep, leading to various health issues. At Midwest Dental Sleep Center, our goal is to open the airway, restore normal breathing, and alleviate bothersome symptoms such as daytime fatigue, snoring, and more. Proper treatment can also help lower blood pressure and reduce risks of serious conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

Treatment Approaches for Sleep Apnea

1. Conservative Treatments for Mild Sleep Apnea

For mild cases of sleep apnea, conservative treatments may be sufficient:

• Weight Loss: Reducing body weight can significantly alleviate symptoms by decreasing pressure on the airway.
• Substance Cessation: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can improve sleep quality.
• Positional Therapy: Changing sleep positions can help prevent airway obstruction, particularly for those who primarily experience apnea while sleeping on their back.
• Managing Environmental Allergies: Addressing allergies and sinus conditions can enhance airflow.

2. Non-Invasive Treatments for Sleep Apnea

Several effective non-invasive treatments can help manage sleep apnea:

• Oral Appliance Therapy:

  • Custom-molded retainers are worn over the teeth while sleeping.
  • The lower retainer is adjusted forward to keep the airway open, preventing the tongue from collapsing back.
  • This device tones airway muscles, helping prevent tissue collapse. A dentist certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) should assess your suitability for this treatment.

• Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy:

  • A mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth, delivering pressurized air to keep the airway open.
  • The pressure may be constant or adjustable, based on your physician’s recommendations.
  • While PAP is effective during use, apnea episodes may recur if the device is not used properly.

• Combination Therapy:

  • Involves using both an oral appliance and a PAP mask together.
  • This method can reduce the required PAP pressure and enhance overall treatment effectiveness.

• TAP-PAP Therapy:

  • The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) oral appliance works with nasal pillows, eliminating the need for cumbersome headgear.
  • This setup minimizes air leakage and improves treatment effectiveness.

3. Surgical Procedures for Severe Sleep Apnea

For individuals with severe sleep apnea or those who do not respond to conservative or non-invasive treatments, surgical options may be considered. Surgical procedures can help remove excess or malformed tissue obstructing airflow. Possible surgeries include:

• Tonsillectomy

• Adenoidectomy

• Uvuloplasty

• Palatoplasty

• Turbinoplasty or Polyp Removal

• Septoplasty

• Tongue Advancement or Reduction

• Upper and Lower Jaw Advancement

• Tracheostomy

• Palatal Expansion Techniques:

  • MARPE (Minimally Invasive Rapid Palatal Expander): A device used to widen the upper jaw and improve airway space, effective in adults.
  • DOME (Dual-Action Palatal Expansion): A method that expands the palate while promoting nasal airflow.
  • SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion): Involves surgical intervention for rapid expansion of the upper jaw, typically recommended for adults with significant airway obstruction.

• Inspire Therapy:

  • A surgically implanted device that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, controlling tongue movement to keep the airway open.
  • Patients activate the device before sleeping and can adjust the stimulation based on comfort.

Conclusion: Your Path to Better Sleep

Identifying the most effective treatment for sleep apnea is crucial for restoring restful sleep and enhancing overall health. At Midwest Dental Sleep Center, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover the best treatment solutions for your sleep apnea.