Wakefield dentist Jeffrey B. Kravitz, D.D.S. is helping snorers and sleep apnea suffers have a restful night’s sleep often without the use of the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices.
Dr. Kravitz recently received specialized training to learn more about oral appliances that are worn during sleep to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat so that the airway stays open during sleep.
Snoring occurs when the structures in the throat are large and when the muscles relax enough to cause the airway to narrow and partially obstruct the flow of air. As air tries to passes through these obstructions, the throat structures vibrate causing a noise referred to as snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate and uvula, and excess fat deposits contribute to soft tissue narrowing.
“The oral appliances promote adequate air intake and help to provide normal sleep in people who snore and have sleep apnea,” Dr. Kravitz said. “They can be used alone or in conjunction with other means of CPAP therapy, considered to be the mainstay of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The CPAP machines are sometimes rejected by users because of their cumbersome and intrusive nature.”
According to Dr. Kravitz, there are more than 80 different types of dental devices for snoring and sleep apnea available to specially trained dentists like him who have received extensive training to treat sleep disordered breathing. Oral appliances work by repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula; stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue; and increasing the muscle tone of the tongue.
Dr. Kravitz’ education and training in oral appliance therapy enables him to determine which one is best suited for a specific dental and/or medical condition.
Dr. Kravitz and his staff work closely with physicians as part of the medical team in the diagnosis, treatment and on-going care of the patient. Oral appliance therapy can take from several weeks to several months to complete, and some insurance plans may cover up to half of the cost of the device.
Before oral appliance treatment, all patients must undergo a sleep study or other sleep apnea testing. Determination of proper therapy can only be made by joint consultation of the office and the patient’s sleep physician.
“Many CPAP users have difficulty wearing their medically prescribed CPAP because it is poorly tolerated or simply rejected due to its cumbersome and intrusive nature,” Dr. Kravitz added. “That’s why we are excited to be able to offer this treatment option to our patients.”
For more information about oral appliances for sleep disorders, or any of the other services offered by Dr. Jeffrey B. Kravitz and his staff, please call the office at 781-245-7714 or visit the website www.wakefieldfamilydentist.com.
