Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dentist Glen Burnie

Sleep apnea is highly treatable. The effective treatment of sleep apnea begins with the screening visit.

Obstructive sleep apnea

This is the most common type of sleep apnea and is caused by complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway. With OSA, the diaphragm and chest muscles work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. It can reduce the flow of oxygen to vital organs and cause irregular rhythms.

OSA can be treated in three ways:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy. CPAP therapy involves using a machine to gently blow pressurized air through your airway continuously, which keeps the throat open.

Surgery. Excess tissue in the throat can be removed to make the airway larger. This may involve removal of the tonsils, adenoids, and uvula.

Oral airway appliances. A custom oral appliance is created and worn at night, which works to move the jaw forward thereby increasing the size of the airway. There are two types of oral appliances, the Jaw Advancing Device (JAD) and the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). These oral appliances work to treat sleep apnea and are effective at stopping snoring.

Better Sleep with dreamTAP™

Dr. Paul Miller is pleased to provide dreamTAP™ appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The dreamTAP™ uses a Thornton Adjustable Positioner to keep the airway open during sleep.

If you have been suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, contact our office to see if dreamTAP™ can help you sleep more easily.

What are the benefits of treating sleep apnea?

Beyond the already well-known benefits of sleep apnea treatment, like providing improved sleep and energy levels, treatment can ultimately improve your overall health by:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Reducing diabetic complications
  • Improving glucose control
  • Reducing the potential risk for heart attack, stroke and heart disease
  • Improving daytime energy and stamina
  • Relieving excess stress on the heart and vascular system

Contact our office for more information.