Sleep Apnea Treatment

Texas, including Katy, Galveston, Houston and Baytown

Snoring Treatment

Do you snore loudly? If so, your real problem may be a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can be a significant health problem. Obstructive sleep apnea often remains undiagnosed simply because many people are not familiar with the symptoms, but it can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.

Why do I Snore?

A person snores when his/her airway becomes blocked during the deep breathing that occurs while sleeping. Sometimes the tongue relaxes and falls back towards the throat, blocking the flow of air. As less air is able to pass through, you begin to snore-a result of the vibrations in your throat.

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For many people, snoring is a minor problem that causes no permanent damage. For those with sleep apnea, however, harm can occur as the body is repeatedly denied proper amounts of oxygen. Typically, the snorer with sleep apnea will snore loudly, punctuated by periods of ten seconds or more when the sufferer stops breathing completely. The lack of oxygen lightly rouses the person, who begins breathing, then resumes snoring, until he or she stops breathing again. This scenario is repeated as often as 60 or 70 times a night. It's easy to see how this can disrupt sleep, both for the sleep apnea sufferer and his or her bedmate.

Sleep Apnea and Your Health

Ironically, sleep apnea patients are not even aware of this behavior. In most cases, their sleep partner is the first one to bring it to their attention. However, these unfortunate individuals are aware of how tired they feel during the day, and many long-term health problems can occur as a result of continued disrupted sleep. That's why it's so important to seek medical help.

Common symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Choking and gasping during sleep
• Night sweats
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth
• Impaired ability to concentrate
• Depression
• Mood changes
• Heartburn
• Daytime fatigue
• Learning and Memory Problems
• Daytime Sleepiness

Risk factors include:

• Snoring
• Being overweight
• High blood pressure
• Abnormalities of the throat, upper airway, or nose, such as a deviated septum or abnormally small airway
• Neck size of 17" or larger (excess tissue is a risk factor)
• Family history of the disorder

For many sleep apnea sufferers, the CPAP machine alleviates symptoms. However, some find it difficult to use the machine as directed, and do not receive the full benefits. An alternative for those who cannot tolerate CPAP is an oral appliance that repositions your jaw, preventing the tongue from falling into your airway. Dental appliances have a 96% success rate but may not work for everyone. Those with severe cases may require other treatment.

SomnoMed MAS™- The Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment

The SomnoMed MAS™ is a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) that treats snoring and mild to moderate OSA by moving the lower jaw forward slightly. This forward movement tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which prevents obstruction of the airway while you sleep. The tightening created by the device also prevents the tissues of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them - the most common cause of loud snoring.

The SomnoMed MAS™ is a custom-made device, consisting of upper and lower dental plates with a unique patented fin-coupling component, which allows normal mouth opening and closing. The device is adjustable which improves the efficacy and comfort level of treatment, as the jaw is moved only as far as is required to alleviate the condition. The SomnoMed MAS™ design has a number of key features that are significant improvements on existing MAS oral appliances. These improvements make the device both comfortable and effective.

The SomnoMed MAS™ is a highly effective solution, for the majority of patients, to the problem of loud snoring and mild to moderate OSA. Its exceptional levels of patient acceptance and compliance, and treatment efficacy are backed by a large body of clinical research.

When is it worn?
The SomnoMed MAS™ is only worn at night. The SomnoMed MAS™ is unique in that, unlike other oral appliances, it allows you to close your lips, so no one need know you are wearing it.

Is it comfortable?
You won't find a more comfortable MAS. Why? Because it is custom-made to fit your mouth and it does not impinge on your tongue. You can open and close your mouth normally.

Is there a warranty?
Yes. The SomnoMed MAS™ offers a one year warranty against breakage and manufacturing defects, which means you can have full confidence in the product.

What if I have a bridge or denture?
Patients with crowns or bridges can be successfully fitted with the SomnoMed MAS™. Adjustments are made in the appliance to ensure that fragile crowns and bridges are not harmed. Patients with partial dentures may be successfully fitted with the SomnoMed MAS™ as long as there are enough teeth to anchor the device. Ask your dentist if you are dentally appropriate for the SomnoMed MAS™.

What will the dentist do?
Dentist, Dr. Konig will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth and may use X-rays to confirm your oral health status, as well as ensuring that you are dentally appropriate for the device. Dental impressions are required to fabricate a SomnoMed MAS™. They are taken, and sent to our laboratory where the appliance is made. Once custom made for you, the appliance will be inserted by a Dentist who will show you how to insert and remove it yourself, as well as how to clean and care for it.

How effective is the SomnoMed MAS™?
One of the major advances offered by the SomnoMed MAS™ is improved patient compliance. The ability to freely open the mouth, speak, and drink with the device fitted, is a big step forward in this type of medical treatment.

• 96% of patients with proven OSA stated they would like to continue to use the SomnoMed MAS™
• 91% of patients reported substantial improvement in sleep quality with the SomnoMed MAS™
• 87.5% of patients reported nightly use of the SomnoMed MAS™

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More information on sleep apnea

If you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea, seek treatment right away. The Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry in Houston, Texas has helped many sleep apnea patients get back to normal, restful sleep with a variety of treatment options. Please contact Dr. Konig today for your private consultation.