Does mild sleep apnea require treatment?

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea this condition is classified by severity. To measure the severity of the condition an index is used. This index is called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index or AHI, and this represents the number of apnea or hypopnea events per hour of a patient’s sleep. Typically mild apnea has an AHI between the ranges of 5-15.

Mild apnea does not normally require treatment, but in certain cases oral appliances may be recommended. These oral devices help to reduce sleepiness and improve quality of life. Other ways to treat mild sleep apnea include losing weight. This will help to reduce the amount of tissue that blocks the airway. Changing your sleeping position and increasing your daily amount of exercise can also help.

If you are interested in finding out more about the treatment for mild obstructive sleep apnea and how we can help, contact Smile Design Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule your appointment.