- Technology for Sleep Tests
- Oral Appliances
- CPAP Options
- Somnoplasty
- NightLase®
- Benefits of Better Sleep
Technology for Sleep Tests
In the past, in order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, patients were required to sleep overnight at a facility where a sleep study was conducted. With advancements in technology, we can now offer patients a convenient and easy way to monitor their sleep patterns from the comfort of their own home! Using a device called the Watch-PAT100, your breathing patterns, pulse, body movement, and sleep/wake cycles can be tracked and recorded. If you are at risk for sleep apnea, Dr. Edward Shukovsky can provide you with one of these devices to borrow and take home overnight. The Watch-PAT100 can be worn comfortably on your arm, and the fingertip sensor is worn on your finger to monitor your peripheral arterial tone (PAT), or pulse. Dr. Shukovsky is trained in dental sleep medicine, and works closely with several internists and physicians who specialize in sleep medicine. Once the Watch-PAT100 device is returned to our office, the recorded information is transferred onto a detailed report that can then be analyzed by a physician for a diagnosis. After a diagnosis is received, Dr. Shukovsky can help you determine which sleep apnea or snoring treatment is best for you.
Oral Appliances
One of the most convenient treatment options available for those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea is an oral appliance. Dr. Shukovsky can create a custom-made oral appliance to alleviate symptoms of mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. These devices are worn during sleep to shift the jaw slightly forward, keeping the airway open. Unlike a CPAP machine, oral appliances are not bulky or cumbersome, and do not have wires, tubes, or machinery pushing air through the airway. To qualify for treatment with an oral appliance, patients must first complete a sleep study and receive a diagnosis from a physician.
I have known Dr. Shukovsky for over 30 years and place a great deal of faith in him. He’s a terrific dentist who remains on the leading edge of dentistry. I am pleased to endorse him and the mouth guard that he recommends to improve snoring.
-S.C.
Dr. Shukovsky is an approved Durable Medical Equipment provider for Medicare. Most qualified Medicare patients who have completed a sleep study, received a diagnosis, and have obtained an Affidavit of CPAP Intolerance can receive full Medicare coverage for a customized oral appliance from Dr. Shukovsky.
CPAP Options
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is generally the preferred treatment for sleep apnea. Unfortunately, because the device can be uncomfortable for many patients to wear while they sleep, it is all too common that patients with sleep apnea neglect to use the machine, therefore continuing to face the side effects and risks of sleep apnea. Patients who have demonstrated CPAP intolerance may be candidates for alternative treatments, such as surgery or an oral appliance.
Somnoplasty
Although it is preferred to avoid surgical intervention if possible, some patients may elect to reduce the effects of sleep apnea through a procedure called somnoplasty. This minimally-invasive surgery uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and reshape the tissue in the soft palate at the back of the throat, effectively opening the airway. Unfortunately, not all patients are candidates for this procedure, and while many patients see a reduction in sleep apnea symptoms after treatment, it is rare for surgery to eliminate symptoms altogether.
Laser Technique (NightLase®)
Using this innovative non-surgical technique, Dr. Shukovsky can help patients snore less and sleep better. NightLase® is a non-invasive treatment that uses an Er:YAG laser to gently reform the collagen along the back of the throat to significantly reduce the volume and frequency of snoring. Most patients experience no pain with this procedure, and notice results after only one treatment. For best results, patients should complete three 40-minute sessions performed over a period of two months.
NightLase® may be beneficial for patients that snore; however, it may not be right for all patients. After a sleep study has been completed, Dr. Shukovsky can help determine whether or not NightLase® is an appropriate option.
Benefits of Better Sleep
Making adjustments to your bedtime routine can make a huge impact on your quality of sleep, but it may not solve all your problems. If sleep apnea or constant snoring are causing you to lose sleep, we can help! With a variety of treatment options available, Dr. Shukovsky can assist you in finding the solution that is best for you, so you can get the rest you need! Some of the incredible benefits our patients have experienced after treatment include:
- More energy
- Weight loss
- Longer life
- Less stress
- Lower risk of accidents
- Less anxiety or depression
- Improved memory
- More successful at work
- Better relationships
- Increased libido
- Improved blood pressure
- Less inflammation
- Increased creativity
- Better grades
- Sharpened attention
- Lower risk of injury
- Stronger immune system
To find out how Dr. Shukovsky can help you improve your quality of sleep, please contact us today.
