Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially serious sleeping disorder that occurs when the throat muscles relax sporadically, blocking your airway as you sleep. Some common symptoms of OSA are loud snoring, witnessed periods of stopped breathing during sleep, and abrupt awakenings by choking or gasping for air. There are currently three ways to treat OSA with varying degrees of invasiveness and effect. Choosing the correct method for your condition should be done after appropriate testing and with the advice of a trained professional. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and looking for sleep disorder treatment in Pleasant View, look no further than Dr. Craven and his team at Haven Dental Center in Pleasant View.
Surgery
Surgical treatment options are considered depending on the severity of your sleep apnea. Different surgeries address specific issues that may be causing the OSA. These options include processes like nasal airway surgery, Palate and Pharyngeal surgery, and tongue reduction surgery among others. In adults, surgery is not a common, first-round treatment for OSA. It is usually considered when a patient has not improved with other types of treatment, such as using a CPAP or oral appliances. There are risks associated with surgery like infection, bleeding, or other problems near the site.
Surgery isn’t the first option of treatment for many reasons:
- Excessive cost
- The surgery can be risky with a recovery time of 2-3 weeks
- Individuals receiving surgery may need to take time off of work
- There is not enough medical research to guarantee surgery will relieve sleep apnea
CPAP Machine
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) requires you wear a mask placed over the nose and mouth while you sleep. This machine causes your throat to remain open. It’s considered to be the most common, reliable oral appliance on the market. The CPAP mask is attached to an air-compressing machine, which pumps air through the mask and into the airway. Choosing to undergo CPAP treatment is a costly and lengthy process which includes the following:
- Consultation with primary care physician
- Possible referral to multiple specialists
- Meeting with specialists
- Overnight stay in a sleep lab for testing
- Consultation and diagnostic
- Purchasing a mask and machine
- Wearing the bulky, noisy mask every night while sleeping
- Follow up overnight test at a sleep lab
- Patient is responsible for maintenance and cost of replacement of pump every 3-5 years
- Patient is responsible for cost of replacement parts (tubes, filters, etc.)
- Additional sleep lab visits with every replacement pump
- Additional visits adjustment/titration with every replacement pump
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) uses a custom-fitted dental appliance, similar to a retainer, to ensure unrestricted airflow during sleep. Dr. Craven is trained to screen and treat sleep apnea using OAT. Scheduling a screening and sleep testing with Dr. Craven, is very convenient and takes place on the first visit. OAT devices help prevent the tongue from blocking the throat to keep the airway open during sleep. Oral Appliance Therapy consists of three steps:
- Screening and home sleep test schedule on the first visit
- Delivery of custom-made oral appliance
- Easy follow-up maintenance once or twice a year. However, do not mistake OAT with a drugstore snore guard, which is not FDA approved for treating OSA. Attempting to treat OSA with an unapproved device and not under the care of a trained professional could worsen the condition and lead to serious complications.
Insurance and Financing for Sleep Disorder Treatment in Pleasant View
Since we know many people struggle when it comes to paying for much-needed dental services, Haven Dental Center works closely with insurance companies across the country. As a result, we can accept most insurance coverages used by our patients. We offer many different financing options, as well. Since we prioritize patients over profits, we will always work with you to find a solution that works best for you.
Trusted Dentist in Pleasant View, Utah
If you’re looking for a reliable and cost effective way option for sleep disorder treatment in Pleasant View, know that we’re here to help you.
As a dentist in Pleasant View who has established a reputation for excellence and compassion with his patients, Dr. Craven is a dentist you can undoubtedly trust with even the most complex of dental procedures. This, coupled with our friendly, knowledgeable staff and office that is comfortable and modern, make it clear Haven Dental Center should always be your first choice for your and your family’s dental needs. Should you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment, feel free to call us today at 385-333-7778.
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