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Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Treatment

It is estimated that 30% – 50% of the U.S. population snore at one time or another, but for many men, women and even children, loud and habitual snoring can signal a serious, potentially life-threatening disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.  Some people may experience hundreds of episodes per night and not ever remember any of them or even be aware that they have OSA, especially if live alone.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Snoring with pauses in breathing
  • Gasping or choking during sleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Restless sleep
  • Excessive daytime fatigue
  • Nighttime chest pain
  • Poor judgment – can’t focus
  • High blood pressure

Traditional Treatment (CPAP Therapy)

The gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP).  While it is a very effective therapy, patient compliance remains the most difficult obstacle in attaining success.

Alternative Treatment (Oral Appliance Therapy)

SomnoMed mouthguard for sleep apnea treatmentIf you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are struggling with the use of a CPAP machine, then Wood Creek Dental may have the solution you need.  We are here to help sleep apnea patients in Greenville, Landrum and throughout the Upstate of SC who are unable to attain successful and compliant usage with their CPAP machines.

Our dentists are specifically trained to offer customized, oral appliance therapy as an alternative or coexisting treatment for OSA.  Oral appliance therapy has proven effective in treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea, and has even shown success in some cases of severe apnea.  Features of the appliance include:

  • Permits normal mouth opening
  • Allows speech & drinking
  • Unrestricted tongue space
  • Full lip-seal
  • Easily adjustable
  • Safe & effective
  • Clinically validated
  • Custom-fitted

For more information on treatment with oral appliance therapy, please read more at http://www.somnomed.com/Home_USA.aspx.

Patient Testimonial

“Anytime I sleep without my CPAP machine, I always wake up with a horrific headache and feel so tired the entire day.  However, I was going on vacation and didn’t want to be bothered with packing up my machine and then trying to find distilled water for it.  I also didn’t want my vacation ruined with headaches and fatigue.  I contacted Dr. Hunt about the possibility of trying an oral appliance for my sleep apnea.  I was a little concerned that I might not be able to sleep with something in my mouth, but since the first night of wearing it, I’ve been able to sleep all night without any problems.  It didn’t take any getting used to.  Best of all, I wake up ‘headache-free’ and feel rested in the mornings.  I know it is working for me!”

–Alice H.

Contact Us Today

Contact Wood Creek Dental today to find out if you are a candidate for treatment of your sleep apnea with our oral appliance therapy.  Patients will need to bring a copy of their sleep study to their first appointment.  We are excited to offer our patients in Greenville, Landrum and Upstate, SC an alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.