Obstructive sleep apnea typically occurs because the tongue and throat muscles relax during sleep, collapsing and blocking the airway.  The sleeper then awakens, gasps and falls back asleep.  This cycle keeps repeating, sometimes 30 or more times per hour.  The sleeper is left exhausted, but usually with no memories of the events.

Scientists are now beginning tests to see if an implanted device might help some of the estimated 12 million Americans that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.  The idea is that the device zaps the tongue during sleep helping to keep the tongue in place and the airway open.

According to Dr. Meir Kryger “In this kind of research, we’re not looking for little changes.  What we’re looking for is actually a cure.”  Since testing is just beginning on this type of device it will probably be many years before it comes to market – if at all.

The current first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP.  Many of the patients prescribed CPAP are unable or unwilling to sleep with the masks and hoses or find that they rip the masks off during sleep.

For patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are unable to use CPAP treatment a custom fitted oral appliance may be the answer.

Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is approved for mild to moderate sleep apnea sufferers and may be indicated for more severe cases when the patient is CPAP intolerant.  There are several types of oral appliances available and your Dental Sleep Medicine dentist has been trained to match the correct appliance to each patient.  Most appliances work by gently moving the lower jaw forward and holding it there while sleeping.  This prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway.

Please contact Dr. Mark Levy, your Columbus area Dental Sleep Medicine provider at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your consultation.