Sleep Apnea Treatment 101…Simple and Effective

By Vladimir Pastouk, DMD

Do you wake feeling unrested? Do you experience lack of energy, sleepiness during the day, or high blood sugar? Have you, or someone you know, actually been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea? Do you currently have a CPAP? We have the answer!

In our previous article, we discussed the causes and effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea from a medical perspective. We received requests for innovative and effective treatment options and decided to answer some of the questions most commonly asked.

In response to the many requests from our community, we have taken the necessary steps to advance further on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its various treatments. In our office, you will find a dedicated and caring staff, ready to answer your concerns and schedule a private and informative consultation with me. During the consultation, an Airway Evaluation will be performed as well as a Comprehensive Health Questionnaire.

The next step is to schedule a Home Sleep Test. These tests are often performed in a Sleep Clinic; however, we have found the most accurate results are obtained in the comfort of your own home, where you are most likely to experience your usual sleep pattern. The test kit is shipped directly to your home. The test involves wearing a simple device for two consecutive nights; the device will measure several important indicators in the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, such as snoring frequency and volume, oxygen saturation, and sleeping position.

After returning the device in the prepaid return package, the sleep study is analyzed. The results are then sent to our office. We will work in conjunction with your primary care provider to review the results and assure successful treatment. You will be contacted by our office to discuss the test results and begin your treatment. Impressions will be taken for your custom-fitted Mandibular Repositioning Device, the alternative therapy to a CPAP, as indicated by your test results. This is a removable dental appliance, which is a scientifically proven effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In two to three weeks, your Mandibular Repositioning Device will be ready and custom-fitted for you.

Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to adjust the device as necessary and a follow up Efficacy Study will be performed to ensure the device is successful in treatment delivery. The entire process is simple and effective!

If you snore and have symptoms of Sleep Apnea or if you have already been diagnosed with OSA and are searching for an alternative therapy to the CPAP, call our office in Pepper Pike, OH for a consultation. We will discuss the Home Sleep Test, review results, and recommend options for your treatment.

This has been a great source of excitement for patients currently using the CPAP and we are very pleased to continue to offer this service to our community! We look forward to meeting you and thank you for your trust in us.