Sleep Apnea Treatment
Watch this video to learn about our sleep apnea treatments:
Despite what you may have read online, this condition is far more serious than a bothersome snore.
It can have serious life-threatening consequences if left untreated for an extended period of time. Risks include heart attack, stroke, or an irregular heartbeat.
When a patient sleeps, the upper airway may become obstructed by excess tissue, large tonsils, or a large tongue. The position of the jaw may also contribute to these breathing problem.
In essence, your body prohibits itself from breathing comfortably while you sleep.
In the most serious cases, a patient may experience 30 apneas (a temporary stop in breathing) over a 7-hour sleeping period. Apneas can even last 60-90 seconds, meaning for that duration of time, the body isn’t receiving the proper amount of oxygen.
If you suffer from this condition, you’re not alone. The National Sleep Foundation predicts that 18 million adults suffer from apneas while they sleep. Children can be affected as well, but it’s less likely.
There are a handful of options for treatment. In the most extreme cases, a patient may seek Maxillomandibular advancement, which can actually pull the jaw forward. The success rate for this procedure is high, but surgery isn’t for everyone.
At Paradigm, we offer a sleek and efficient alternative to the typical remedies. Many people use bulky and loud C-PAP machines to help their breathing during the night. These cause an inconvenience to sleep apnea patients, and they’re also a disruption to the people around them. Additionally, when not maintained, they gather dust and cause more health issues. Thankfully, not all patients need machines like this. In fact, many people who suffer from what’s considered “mild to moderate” sleep apnea use an oral appliance we offer at Paradigm. This appliance is portable, quiet, comfortable, and quite easy to use. It fits over your teeth like a retainer, and it helps keep the mandible forward and the jaw open. Because of this technology, we see many patients completely change their life.
If you are having severe problems sleeping due to a breathing condition, it may be time to seek a consultation for treatment. Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep so they can work, learn, and play at their full potential.
If you think Paradigm’s appliance is a good fit for you, or you’d just like more information, contact us today, or come to our office in Beaverton. You shouldn’t have to use a bulky C-PAP machine if you don’t need one.