Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment in
East Portland, OR
The East Portland dental practice of Dr. David N. Carothers treats patients suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine or are considered a good candidate for oral appliance therapy. To schedule an appointment with our office, you will need a complete sleep study (done within the last year). Patients need to have a current MD to provide the diagnosis.
Contact Us Schedule An Appointment
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Custom made oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices, effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea. They are worn at night and adjust the position of your jaw to prevent chronic obstruction from occurring while you are sleeping. Dr. Carothers offers a choice of appliances but has found the best success with RESPIRE, an easy-to-use system that is simple to adjust for your comfort and produces excellent results.
While there are some cases of sleep apnea that require the use of a CPAP machine, most cases do not. Many of our sleep apnea patients who have had trouble adjusting to this forced air method of apnea prevention have found more complete relief after switching to treatment with oral appliances.
Dr. Carothers is a Diplomate with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine with more than 25 hours of Continuing Education including clinical proficiency. His extensive experience treating sleep apnea in the Portland area has earned him an excellent reputation in this field. He has developed a smooth process that helps his patients gain control over a bothersome and serious condition quickly and easily.
A Straightforward Solution for a Complex Problem
Dr. Carothers has personal experience with sleep apnea as he himself suffers from the condition. He has become passionate about the use of oral appliances as this method has been helping him for many years. At our practice, we understand the importance of treating obstructive sleep apnea and works with your medical insurance plan to make these devices affordable.
Oral appliance therapy can be used as an alternative to CPAP as well as in conjunction with this machine. Our devices travel well, are small enough to fit into a shaving or cosmetic bag, and won’t stop working when the power goes out.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliances
The initial evaluation includes reviewing your answers to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale which, along with other information, provides Dr. Carothers with enough details to determine if you're a good candidate for an oral appliance. If you feel like you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea or a spouse or significant other does, please select the link below and print the Epworth Scale.
Epworth Sleepiness ScaleWe work closely with your primary care provider and your insurance carrier to help the process go smoothly and provide our own diagnostic tests for those without an MD they feel comfortable with.
Once you have been approved for treatment, our dentist will measure your airway, take precise impressions, and craft your custom appliance. Our trusted lab typically delivers your new device in under two weeks. Once you’ve begun using the appliance, Dr. Carothers will make any necessary adjustments.
Our entire team takes great pride in the results we’ve been able to produce for our patients seeking sleep apnea treatment in Portland. If you snore, experience interrupted sleep or daytime fatigue, call Dr. Carothers today to get relief!