Submitted by ePR Source on January 30, 2009 - 10:21am. Dental | Health | Sleep Health
Houston, Texas dentist Ronald W. Konig, is helping his patients and their families who are enduring sleepless nights because of snoring. Loud disruptive snoring may be related to a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and often results in fatigue, slowed responses, daytime sleepiness, and concentration problems. OSA has been correlated in a number of studies with cardiovascular sickness and is considered an independent risk factor for early mortality. Dr. Konig, who practices cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, is offering a non-invasive treatment to his patients who are suffering from snoring and OSA with a convenient oral appliance called SomnoMed MAS.
The SomnoMed MAS is a mandibular advancement splint (MAS), similar to an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouthgaurd that is worn in the mouth during sleep. The splint treats snoring and OSA by holding the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway.
This device is for many people an improvement over CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), commonly considered the "gold standard" and used as the first line of treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is about the size of a shoebox and has a flexible tube that connects the machine with a mask that is worn over the nose and/or mouth. The CPAP works by pushing air through the airway passage at a high pressure to prevent apneas related to airway collapse.
Though it works for some, a large number of patients do not tolerate CPAP and search for alternatives. Dr. Konig introduces these patients to the SomnoMed MAS and finds that the compliance with SomnoMed is much higher. His patients now enjoy sleeping without the hose, mask and compressor of a CPAP. Many patients who do not object to CPAP still prefer SomnoMed for travel as well as enjoying the return of intimacy back into their bedrooms.
“Patients who use SomnoMed MAS to eliminate snoring love this treatment because of its convenience and comfort,” said Dr. Konig. “In addition to helping people with their health, we are also saving marriages!”
SomnoMed MAS is unique because the splint is custom made for each individual which allows Dr. Konig to adjust it to the best position for the patient. Fitting for the SomnoMed MAS consists of several visits to Dr. Konig where he will examine the patient, get dental impressions and fit the device to the patient’s mouth once it arrives. The discreet patented design fits wholly inside the patient’s mouth and allows normal mouth opening and closing, which makes talking and drinking possible with the device in position. To insure that health issues are taken care of, Dr. Konig also has home monitoring devices that allow him to assess the effectiveness and make adjustments where necessary. Additionally, Dr. Konig works very closely with sleep physicians and sleep labs.
Patients and their families find this procedure to be invaluable. Bill Sidwell was a long time sufferer of snoring and sleep apnea. In hopes of solving his disruptive sleeping pattern, Sidwell participated in a sleep apnea study, tried a CPAP machine and has even had surgery. They were temporary solutions as his snoring soon returned. After talking to Dr. Konig, Sidwell was notified that he was a candidate for the SomnnoMed MAS. He has been using this device for two months and has felt a significant improvement in the overall quality of sleep.
“I would recommend the SomnoMed MAS as part of anyone’s wellness plan,” says Sidwell. “This non-invasive treatment has improved my quality of life and sleep… now I’m back in my bedroom!”
Clinical studies have shown that getting a good night’s rest (without repeated awakenings that OSA can bring) results in a healthier immune system, higher concentration level, and reduced stress.
To learn more about sleep dentistry and how the SomnoMed MAS may be able to improve your health and happiness, consult the website of the Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry.
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