Sleep Apnea in Montgomery, AL
Obstructive sleep apnea is an ongoing sleep disorder that disrupts sleep, causing patients to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night.
When breathing is paused or becomes shallow, one will often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep, making the quality of rest poor. This common condition can affect overall health, including contributing to high blood pressure and other health concerns. Sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes, oral devices, breathing devices, and/or surgery. A sleep study is often the first step in getting an accurate diagnosis.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is often an effective alternative to CPAP for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Many patients find this treatment option more comfortable than traditional CPAP therapy.
A custom removable oral appliance therapy appliance, which can provide effective sleep apnea treatment by adjusting the position of the lower jaw forward to minimize airway obstruction and help patients breathe more easily during sleep.
For moderate to severe sleep apnea, apnea treatment options include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or surgery to widen the breathing passages by shrinking, stiffening, or removing excess tissue in the mouth and throat or resetting the lower jaw. A CPAP machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and/or nose and gently blows air into your throat to help deliver oxygen to the lungs. This air pressure helps keep your airway open while you sleep. Surgery to shrink the tissue involves a small shot into the breathing passages. Surgery to stiffen excess tissue requires a small incision in the tissue and inserting a piece of stiff plastic.
Call 334-277-5498 to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Montgomery, AL today!