Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by pauses in breathing or instances of shallow or infrequent breathing during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur up to 30 times an hour, which can be quite dangerous. Sleep apnea affects all age groups, and estimates suggest that up to 84% of patients with sleep apnea are not diagnosed.
One Bend, Oregon dentist is making it easier for patients suffering from sleep apnea to find non-surgical relief. Dr. Kelley Mingus specializes in sleep apnea dental treatment and has helped hundreds of patients find relief from sleep apnea symptoms such as choking, gasping, and loud snoring through his unique, comprehensive approach.
Dr. Mingus’ Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center provides a team of experts to help uncover the cause of sleep apnea and work together to develop a treatment plan for each patient. One of the most revolutionary non-surgical treatments that Dr. Mingus offers is oral appliance therapy, which is custom fit for each patient. These devices work by repositioning the jaw to open the airway and reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms, providing patients with relief from symptoms so they can get a better night’s sleep.
What is Oral Applicance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy is a non-surgical alternative to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) masks for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral appliances are custom fit to the patient and are worn during sleep. They work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue forward to keep the throat open, which can help reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral appliances are easy to use, easy to maintain, and are much more comfortable than CPAP masks. Oral appliance therapy is a good alternative for people who have mild to moderate sleep apnea, as well as those with severe sleep apnea who do not tolerate CPAP treatment.
Dr. Mingus’ Approach to Treating Sleep Apnea
Dr. Mingus and his team at the Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center begin the treatment process with a comprehensive sleep study to diagnose the cause of a patient’s sleep apnea symptoms. Once the cause of the symptoms is identified, they provide each patient with a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
One of the most common treatments that Dr. Mingus’ uses is oral appliance therapy. These devices are custom fit for each patient to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. The Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center also provides patients with tips and strategies for optimal oral appliance use, as well as monitoring to ensure that the devices remain effective.
In addition to oral appliances, the Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center offers other treatment options such as CPAP therapy and surgery for more severe cases. Dr. Mingus and his team also work closely with patients to develop healthy lifestyle changes that can help reduce the likelihood of sleep apnea symptoms, such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Sleep Apnea Treatment
Non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea offers a number of benefits over surgery. Surgery carries the risks of scarring, infection, and risk of complications. Non-surgical treatments, such as oral appliance therapy, are less invasive and can be more comfortable for patients.
Oral appliance therapy is also much less costly than surgery, and it is often covered by most medical insurance plans. This makes it an affordable treatment option for most patients.
Non-surgical treatments for sleep apnea also have an advantage because they can easily be discontinued if the patient does not experience improvement in their symptoms. This eliminates the risk of long-term side effects that might result from surgery.
Conclusion
Dr. Kelley Mingus and the Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center in Bend, Oregon provide patients with non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options for sleep apnea. These treatments can greatly reduce and even completely eliminate symptoms such as snoring and choking, providing patients with a better quality of sleep.
Oral appliance therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for sleep apnea, and it is offered at the Sleep Apnea & Snoring Center by Dr. Mingus’ team of experts. This treatment option is a far less invasive and more affordable option than surgery, and offers patients a safe and effective way to find relief from sleep apnea symptoms.