Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Dr. Newhart is skilled in addressing snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, conditions that are often linked to upper airway issues. The primary goal of treatment is to enhance the size of the airway to alleviate these conditions.
To achieve this, Dr. Newhart utilizes a comfortable and easily worn removable appliance, similar to a retainer, which is specifically designed for sleep. This treatment approach has proven to be highly effective, boasting a high success rate and frequently negating the need for surgical interventions. With Dr. Newhart’s expertise, patients can experience significant relief from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea without invasive procedures.
What is snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring occurs when the airway becomes narrowed, leading to the vibration of soft tissues in the throat during breathing, resulting in the characteristic snoring sound.
Various factors can contribute to the narrowing of the airway, such as enlarged tonsils, an elongated soft palate, or swollen and excessively relaxed throat tissues. One common cause is the relaxation of the tongue during sleep, which partially obstructs the airway.
It’s important to note that snoring can sometimes indicate a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA, the airway becomes completely blocked, causing the person to momentarily stop snoring and gasping for air before resuming snoring.
OSA is a potentially life-threatening condition and has been linked to hypertension and heart arrhythmia. Seeking proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional like Dr. Newhart is crucial for managing snoring and identifying potential underlying issues such as OSA.
Advantages of sleep appliance therapy.
- Non-invasive and comfortable treatment option
- Increases airway size, reducing or eliminating snoring
- Convenient and easy to wear during sleep
- High success rate which often avoids the need for surgery
Alternative Treatment
- Surgery
- CPAP Device
