ORAL/DENTAL DEVICE
A relapse of the tongue into the airway is one of the primary causes of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. With the dental device, the tongue, which is attached to the lower jaw, is maintained forward by advancement of the lower jaw. There are various types of devices, and they are generally comfortable, as they are similar to wearing a custom mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. Average success rate for this device is 85 percent in eliminating snoring and can eliminate mild to moderate apnea, and improve severe apnea.
Note: There are some devices which combine with a CPAP unit, which also eliminates severe apneas.

RADIO FREQUENCY SURGERY - Somnoplasty^®
Snoring also occurs when the floppy tissues in the airway relax during sleep and vibrate. Besides the tongue, most snoring is caused by enlarged soft palate, uvula, and tonsils. Level of snoring can be aggravated by excessive weight, alcohol intake, and smoking. Highlights or benefits of Somnoplasty over other surgical treatment methods, such as LAUP or UPPP procedures, include:

a. Outpatient office procedure
b. Patient can be fully awake for the procedure
c. Local anesthesia is administered to the uvula, palate, tongue or tonsils
d. No tissues are removed, cut, or burnt
e. Somnoplasty electrode admits low levels of radio frequency energy, creating friction within the tissue, resulting in tissue stiffening and shrinkage
f. Entire procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes
g. Somnoplasty minimizes bleeding, post-operative pain, by preserving the mucosa
h. Recovery time after Somnoplasty is usually one day, requiring no more than over-the-counter medications (Advil, Tylenol, etc.)
i. Minimal complication rate, such as infection
j. Somnoplasty procedures are successful 75 percent of the time in treating snoring and successful treatment of apnea less than 50 percent
k. Procedure may require more than one office visit, possibly two or three, depending upon initial response, evaluated after three to six weeks.

This is a relatively invasive surgery, which necessitates hospitalization, general anesthesia, and cutting and/or removal of the palate, uvula, tonsils, or other offending tissues. Complication rate for this procedure is higher, which can include bleeding, infection, and regurgitation. Success rate for treatment of snoring is 80 to 85 percent, and successful treatment of significant apnea less than 50 percent.

UPPP SURGERY
This is a relatively invasive surgery, which necessitates hospitalization, general anesthesia, and cutting and/or removal of the palate, uvula, tonsils, or other offending tissues. Complication rate for this procedure is higher, which can include bleeding, infection, and regurgitation. Success rate for treatment of snoring is 80 to 85 percent, and successful treatment of significant apnea less than 50 percent.

MMA - Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement Surgery
This is a surgical procedure requiring hospitalization. The treatment consists of moving the upper and lower jaws forward to eliminate any obstruction caused by the tongue and palate. Success rate has been reported at 100 percent. See Orthognathic Surgery for more information.

Snoring/Sleep Apnea | Snoring/Sleep Apnea Insertion Instructions

Sleep Apnea Treatments

320 Lenox Avenue, Westfield, New Jersey 07090 Phone: (908) 233-8088 • Fax: (908) 232-4662