Sleep Apnea Treatments With Dr. Argyle
At Argyle Dental Sleep and TMJ, Dr. Argyle provides a variety of different solutions for sleep disorders to ensure that every patient receives effective treatment. Dr. Argyle implements solutions aimed at controlling the patient’s airway through oral appliances, myofunctional therapy, and more.
Dr. Arygle’s approaches are effective and progressive and he’ll develop customized treatment plans for unmatched and long-lasting results. If you’re ready to get your sleep apnea under control, learn more about our treatment options below.
Positive Airway Pressure (PAP)
A core component of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the use of a positive airway pressure (PAP) device. PAP machines work by pumping pressurized air through a hose and into the airway. The stable, steady flow of air prevents airway collapse and promotes regular breathing without sleep fragmentation.
Treatment with a positive airway pressure (PAP) device is considered to be the current gold standard in sleep apnea treatment and is offered as an initial treatment to the majority of patients. The most common way of receiving PAP therapy is with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which deliver air with a consistent pressure level.
A prescription is required to obtain and use PAP therapy, and its pressure settings come pre-set with measurements taken by your healthcare team. Setting up your device properly helps you get used to sleeping with a CPAP so that you can get the most benefits from it. To take in the pressurized air and keep the airway open, it’s necessary to wear a mask attached to the device every time you sleep.
A full-face mask covers both the nose and mouth while other masks cover or go underneath the nose. The choice of mask depends on various factors including whether you breathe through your mouth, your sleeping position, and if you suffer from nasal congestion.
Although PAP therapy has been known to be quite effective for treating sleep apnea, it can come with downsides and doesn’t work for everyone. Some people find wearing the CPAP mask uncomfortable and may not adhere to the prescribed treatment. It’s important for patients to work closely with their doctors to make using CPAP as comfortable as possible through an optimal mask selection, device settings, and addressing discomfort with the mask or other aspects of PAP therapy.
Fortunately, if CPAP therapy isn’t working for you, there are alternative options available.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Many patients find relief using an oral appliance for treating snoring and sleep apnea. This small device works by gently shifting your jaw forward, keeping the airway open while you sleep. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth. They’re quiet, easy to travel with, inconspicuous, and simple to use. It’s an effective alternative for patients who want a more convenient option than CPAP.
Myofunctional Therapy
Dr. Argyle uses myofunctional therapy to treat several complications associated with the facial muscles. Some of which include problems with chewing, swallowing, speech, occlusion, TMJ movement, oral hygiene, and more. This program is used to strengthen the relationship between muscles of the face, tongue, and throat through highly effective physical therapy exercises.
The exercises prescribed are typically different for each patient, as they’re custom-tailored to their individual needs. When done correctly, myofunctional therapy can be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing.
Surgery
There are multiple different forms of surgery that can be performed to assist in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Learn more below about some of the most commonly used surgeries in sleep apnea treatment.
Maxillomandibular osteotomy (MMO) and advancement (MMA)
This surgery is a treatment option for patients with severe sleep apnea. Your surgeon will surgically fracture the upper and lower jaws and position them forward to enlarge the space for breathing in the entire throat. This procedure involves cutting the bone of your jaws, which then heal over the course of months. Your jaw may be wired shut for a few days and your diet will be limited for several weeks after the procedure. The typical cost for this procedure ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.
Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RVTR)
A radiofrequency ablation is a treatment option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. It uses controlled cauterization to shrink and tighten the tissues in and around the throat. It can be applied to the soft palate, tonsils, and tongue. The tissues will generally replace, requiring frequently repeated treatments. This treatment typically costs $3,500 to $4,500.
Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction
These surgical options open your nasal passages to improve airflow. Septoplasty straightens a bent or deviated nasal septum. This is the divider that separates the two sides of the nose. Turbinate reduction reduces or removes the curved structures that stick out from the side of the nose. They can be enlarged for a number of reasons, including allergies. Certain medications can also help reduce the size of turbinates. The typical cost is $3,500 to $5,500.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the tonsils. Tonsils are small, round glands in the back of your mouth, on the sides of your throat. Often, adenoids are removed at the same time as tonsils. This procedure is known as adenoidectomy. Adenoids are similar to the tonsils, but are located above the soft roof of the mouth. Both the tonsils and adenoids can become enlarged due to recurrent infections as well as mouth-breathing. Typical cost is $3,500 to $4,500.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is a relatively new treatment. It’s also known as upper airway stimulation or a “pacemaker for the tongue.” The treatment works by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve to restore the tone to (or stiffen) the key tongue muscles, that when relaxed, can block the airway causing an obstruction that reduces or stops breathing during sleep.
The stimulating device (and battery) and breathing sensor are implanted in the chest and connected to a stimulation lead that touches the hypoglossal nerve. It’s turned on when you go to sleep and off when you wake up by a hand-held remote. Typical costs is $40,000 to $60,000.
Why Choose Us?
Dr. Argyle works closely with all of the local sleep physicians in treating snoring and sleep apnea. He’s a qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine which allows him to be one of the best in the entire state of Utah for oral appliance therapy for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. At your first visit, Dr. Argyle will talk to you about the benefits of treatment and go over any questions you may have. You’ll also receive information on its potential side effects and the cost of therapy.
From there, you’ll receive a complete clinical evaluation. This includes an examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway, and a panoramic radiograph of your mouth to allow us to evaluate your jaw structure, joints, and teeth. Oral appliances are customized using digital or physical impressions and molds of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental laboratory where the appliance is made.
At the end of this appointment, you’ll be sent home with an overnight oximetry test so that we can get a baseline to compare with once we start treatment to verify that the treatment is beneficial to you and to get the oral appliance working to its maximum effectiveness so that you can receive the best results.
Once your oral appliance is ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. We’ll adjust the appliance to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. You’ll also learn how to clean and maintain your oral appliance.
Follow-up visits will be needed to ensure the optimal fit of your oral appliance. Effective oral appliances are always custom-fit and adjusted over time to ensure maximum effectiveness. Once we have you feeling great and have adjusted the oral appliance to what we feel is maximum effectiveness, we’ll perform another overnight oximetry test to verify these results.
Dr. Argyle will work closely with your sleep physician, updating them throughout the process. Often, your sleep physician will want to get you in for a follow-up appointment once we have you feeling your best. We’ll also schedule you for an annual assessment. These routine visits are an important part of your long-term treatment success.
Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can make you feel like a new person. You’ll find that your symptoms and your quality of life will improve drastically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. It’s likely that you’ll sleep better, have more energy, and feel sharper throughout the day. You’ll likely find that your bed partner starts to sleeps better too!
Treating sleep apnea promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. With Dr. Argyle’s help, you can improve your sleep, your health, and bring about all new kinds of possibilities in your life with your renewed self.
Find Relief With Dr. Argyle
With a variety of CPAP alternatives, our patients are able to find a treatment plan that works best for them. From myofunctional therapy to oral appliance therapy, we have solutions to fit everyone’s unique situation.
Getting diagnosed with sleep apnea can be daunting, but you’re not alone. From your initial consultation to choosing the right treatment plan, Dr. Jaren Arygle and our outstanding team will be with you every step of the way.
Contact our Syracuse office at (801) 416-3562 or simply fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you soon.