Millions of Americans are suffering from sleep apnea and the health risks that come from it. Traditionally, treatment has meant wearing a CPAP machine at night to force ventilation. The CPAP machine is a mask that attaches to a ventilator via a hose. Most patients find using them very uncomfortable and disturbing to both them and their spouses. However, there is an alternative. Available through some dental facilities is a device that is worn inside the mouth that prevents the jaw from sliding backward, blocking the airway during sleep and causing apnea. Dr. Jennifer Le of Wakefield Family Dentistry, Raleigh, NC; has been accredited by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and has joined an elite group of centers nationally that is now offering this alternative to patients. If you or your spouse is suffering from apnea or loud snoring and would like to have more information, Dr. Le can be contacted at 919-488-0111, or raleighsleepapnea.com
Dr. Shawn Phelan