Sleep Apnea Treatment
Anchor Point, serving Homer and Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
For mild cases of sleep apnea, Jeff Bartley, DDS may recommend adopting numerous lifestyle changes, including losing weight and quitting smoking. For some, these changes can make all the difference. For others, greater intervention is needed, and may include air pressure machines or even surgery for the most severe cases.
The CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the first line of defense in treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. CPAP delivers continuous air pressure through a mask placed over your nose while you are sleeping. The air pressure helps to keep your upper airways open, preventing apnea and snoring.
Unfortunately, some patients cannot tolerate having the mask on their face while sleeping. If you have sleep apnea and are being treated with CPAP, do not simply stop using the machine. Dr. Bartley can suggest modifications for greater comfort, and other types of airway pressure machines, like the BiPAP or ASV, are available that may work better for you.
Oral appliances designed to bring your jaw forward and open your airway have been used successfully to relieve snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea.
When Surgery is the Answer
For serious cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be the best answer. Surgery removes excess tissue from the throat and nose that may be blocking your airway and causing apnea.
Surgical options include:
Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty or radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves the removal of tissue in the back of your throat
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure removes tissue from the rear of your mouth and top of your throat, as well as the tonsils and adenoids, stopping the vibrations that cause snoring. UPPP is performed in a hospital under general anesthetic.
Maxillomandibular Advancement. This procedure enlarges the space behind the tongue and soft palate by moving the jaw forward from the face bones.
Tracheostomy. If other treatments have failed and your sleep apnea is severe and life-threatening, this procedure involves creating an opening in your neck into which a metal or plastic tube is inserted through which you can breathe. The opening is kept covered during the day and uncovered at night to allow air to pass directly to your lungs.
Nasal surgery: Removes polyps or straightens a crooked deviated nasal septum
Tonsils and Adenoids: Sometimes, removing enlarged tonsils and adenoids is enough to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Other therapies designed to treat severe sleep apnea may include:
- Treating associated medical problems, such as heart or neuromuscular disorders
- Using supplemental oxygen while sleeping to deliver oxygen to your lungs
Although numerous medical devices and procedures have received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration, limited published research is available regarding their usefulness. Dr. Bartley uses only proven methods for overcoming your sleep apnea and reducing your health risks. To schedule your consultation today, please contact us. Dr. Bartley serves cosmetic dentistry patients in Anchor Point and the Kenai Peninsula area of Alaska.
(907)226-3700
Contact Us
34115 Sterling Hwy.
Anchor Point, AK 99556