West Friendship dentist, Dentist in West Friendship, MD

Treatments for Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Snoring and Sleep Apnea (OSA) are breathing disorders, which occur during sleep, due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway. Snoring is a noise created by the paritial closure of the airway and is often no greater problem than the noise itself. However, consistent loud snoring with OSa symptoms has been linked to medical disorders such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke. OSA occurs where the airway totally closes many times during the night. It can significantly reduce oxygen levels in the body and disrupt sleep. To varying degrees, this can result in exessive daytime sleepiness, irregular hearbeat, hypertension, and occasionally heart attack and stroke. If you suspect that you have symptomatic snoring or OSA, you should consult your general medical practitioner, or call Dr. Fenlon to discuss treatment options.

The SomnoMed MAS is effective in the treatment of snoring and OSA. It assists breathing by keeping the lower jaw and tongue forwadr during sleep, which opens the airway space in the throat. The SomnoMed MAS has substantially reduces snoring and OSA for many people, but there is no gaurantee that the therapy will be successful for every individual. Several factors contrubute to snoring and OSA, including nasal obstructino, narrow airway space in the throat and excessive weight. Other accepted treatments for snoring and OSA that should be considered by sufferers, include lifestyle changes (eg. weight loss), behavioral modification, continuous positive airway pressure ("CPAP") and surgical procedures.

Possible Complications

The SomnoMed MAS is a two-piece, custom made, mandibular advancement appliance that is only worn at night. Some patients may not be able to tolerate the SomnoMed MAS or any other device in their mouths. Some patients may develop temporary side effects such as, sore jaw joints, excessive salivation; dry mouth; sore teeth; irritation of the soft tissue in the mouth and or a slight change in their bite. Ind some cases, a permanent "bite" change may occur. If any unusual syptoms or side effects occur you must contact Dr. Fenlon immediately.

The SomnoMed MAS is a mechanical device to keep the airway open during sleep. It does not cure snoring or OSA. It must be worn each night to be effective. Snoring may develop into OSA and it is possible that the appliance may not maintain its effectiveness over time and needs to be checked at least twice a year by Dr. Fenlon to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.

Snoring and sleep apnea are significant contributors to serious medical problems. Dr. Fenlon feels as though we've discovered something that can be extremely helpful in addressing these conditions both medically and from a relationship stand point, if you are married. Quiet and restful nights can be a reality.

"We are very excited about your interest in our new sleep appliance. I personally have been using one for the past six months. It has made a huge difference in the way I feel. Needless to say my wife is also thrilled." - Thomas J Fenlon DDS

"This appliance is fantastic! Before I started wearing this appliance my wife and I had to sleep in different rooms. A happy wife is a happy life!" - K. Small, Ellicott City MD

For more information on Snoring and Sleep Apnea click here.