Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

Dr. Tom Northway works closely with the physicians at area sleep centers and is trained to recognize and treat sleep apnea. The information provided here is intended to increase your knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sleep apnea. If you think you might be at risk, please contact Northway Family Dentistry today for an appointment and possible referral to a local sleep center.

There are a number of treatment options for patients with sleep apnea. Your medical specialists will work with you to find the right treatment for your situation.

Positive Airway Pressure Masks

Positive airway pressure (PAP or CPAP) is the standard method of treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It keeps the airway open by providing a steady stream of air through a mask that you wear as you sleep.

PAP machines work by pumping room air through a hose to the mask. Masks either fit over the nose or over the nose and mouth. The mask is held in place with straps. Your specific level of air pressure will be determined during an overnight sleep study in a sleep disorders center.

Oral Appliances

Another option we recommend is a mandibular advancement device. This is essentially two bite splints connected by a hinge that pulls the lower jaw and tongue forward, creating enough space to breathe unrestricted. These devices look much like sports mouth guards.

Studies on this device have shown 90 percent compliance. They can be effective for people who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. A licensed dentist who is trained in dental sleep medicine, such as Dr. Northway, can custom fit the oral appliance. This will give you the best results.

Nasal Operations

Nasal surgery removes blockages in the nose. It can also repair a deviated septum. The septum is the bony divider between the two nostrils. A bent septum can block the flow of air through your nose. These operations may be one part of an overall plan to treat sleep apnea. They tend to be used along with other forms of treatment or other operations. Nasal surgery by itself rarely cures obstructive sleep apnea.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMO)

This surgery involves cutting the upper and lower bones of the jaws. This moves them both forward. General anesthesia is used for the operation. The surgery requires a hospital stay of a few days. After the operation, the jaw is wired shut to hold it in place for about four weeks. A liquid diet is required, and weight loss often results. Once the wires are removed, you may need orthodontic work to realign your teeth so they fit together properly.

This treatment is time-consuming and expensive, but its results are positive for many people. It works best for people who are born with a jaw that is either smaller than normal or that is set too far back.

The above information is provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s wellness booklet, “Treatment Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea,” copyright 2006.