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  Frequently Asked QuestionsIn the news Dr. Kushner Receives Dental Sleep Medicine Diplomate Status Read article Dr. Kushner plays an important role in the treatment of sleep apnea Read article Dr. Kushner saves patient's heart Read article Call us: 949-833-8020 What is Sleep Apnea?Sleep Apnea, simply defined, is the cessation of breathing while you are sleeping.What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?People with sleep apnea often feel very sleepy throughout the day. Their concentration and daytime performance can suffer, and the consequences of sleep apnea range from annoying to life threatening.What are treatments for sleep apnea?Treatment for sleep apnea vary with each patient's diagnosis, and treatment can be as simple as behavior and lifestyle changes. Typical medical treatments include a CPAP mask, oral appliances or surgery. A CPAP mask is considered the gold standard of treatment but is used by less than half of patients fitted for it. Oral appliances are a second alternative for treating sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, oral appliances are as effective as the CPAP mask for treating mild and moderate cases of sleep apnea. Oral appliances are the most accepted form of treatment. Because oral appliances are less invasive and often more successful than surgery, it is recemmonded that patients who are considering surgery first evaluate the effect of an oral appliance. The exception is opening of nasal airway and tonsil and adenoid removal in children, in which case surgery is often the best form of treatment. What is CPAP?Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) refers to a medical device in which a small box connected to tubes through which air flows. The tubes are connected to a mask worn on the face. Straps around the mask fit it to the face over the mouth and nose. For those with sleep apnea, the CPAP mask is used at night during normal sleep. CPAP is a common device used to treeat Sleep Apnea.Patients using CPAP experience problems such as face breakouts from the straps, eye and nasal irritation, mouth dryness, runny nose and sore throat. Patients with allergies, patients who tend to breathe through their mouths, and patients who sleep on their stomachs may find CPAP difficult as well. When is an oral sleep appliance the best solution for treating sleep apnea?Clinical trials show that oral appliances are very effective in treating simple snoring and mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Many sleep appliances eliminate the need for surgery, medications and other therapies.Oral sleep appliance are especially effective for those patients who:
How long do these appliances last?We usually tell our patients that appliances last 2-5 years, but many will last much longer than 5 years. Does my insurance cover oral appliance treatment?Most insurance companies have coverage for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with an oral appliance. Insurance companies generally do not cover treatment for snoring only. If coverage is available for oral appliances, it would come from the medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We encourage you to call and check with your medical insurance company. We will be happy to send information to your insurance company regarding your situation to request a determination of benefits. (See insurance information sheet.) When is CPAP the best solution for treating sleep apnea?While CPAP is certainly the most recognized treatment, it is not necessarily the best or only treatment for sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine stated in 2006 that oral appliances are as effective as CPAP in mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea. CPAP is recommmeded as the best solution only in severe cases of sleep apnea. However, the CPAP mask can be irritating or aggravating. The strap and head gear required to keep the face mask on during sleep may cause discomfort and pressure on the face. Therefore, even if CPAP may be the best treatment for severe cases of sleep apnea, for those unable to tolerate CPAP, oral sleep appliances can bring some relief to most sleep apnea sufferers.When is surgery the best solution for treating sleep apnea?Statistics show surgical success is as low as 30-50%. In addition, a number of complications can emerge over time. Many ENT physicians will encourage their patients to try oral appliance therapy prior to surgery.Surgeons can correct abnormalities such as nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils and deviated septum or jaw malformation. However when an invasive surgical solution fails, patients can become frustrated and often devastated with their soft tissue changes. Can patients see a physician and dental practitioner at the same time?Because many other medical conditions can be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, our office knows the importance of a "team" approach with sleep centers and physicians. This team approach provides you with the best possible care and long-term success. We look forward to establishing a relationship with you and assisting with this serious medical problem.Additional Resources
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