Bellingham Sleep Apnea Dentist Offers Alternatives to CPAP Mask

(prHWY.com) March 6, 2013 - Bellingham, WA -- BELLINGHAM, WA, February 8, 2013 - The Bellingham Sleep Apnea Dentist now offers solutions for treating sleep apnea without a CPAP Mask. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when sleep is interrupted due to inadequate levels of oxygen in the blood. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep causing the body to wakes itself up in order to start breathing again.

The traditional nonsurgical treatment for sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP. This is administered through a facial or nasal mask as the patient sleeps. "Sleep Apnea patients often complain of discomfort when using the mask", explains Dr. Jeffrey Prager, owner of Bellingham Sleep Apnea Dentist office. "Others simply do not like wearing the mask because they find it restricting and cumbersome. The problem occurs when patients put their health in jeopardy through inconsistent use or by giving up the device entirely."

Sleep apnea contributes to a variety of serious health complications. Diabetes, heart disease and stroke are a few of the severe health risks associated with sleep apnea when left untreated. If the patient is a candidate, they can be fitted with a comfortable, custom-made oral appliance that restores optimal breathing and eliminates the need for use of the CPAP mask and machine.

Without the discomfort of the CPAP mask patients are more likely to continue treatment and reduce the risk of other serious health issues. Dr. Prager warns, however, that a patient should not discontinue use of the CPAP mask and machine until their condition has been evaluated by a sleep apnea specialist.

About the Bellingham Sleep Apnea Dentist

Dr. Jeffrey Prager earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the UCLA School of Dentistry. He is a Phi Beta Kappa Summa Cum Laude graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry where he was designated a Regents Scholar. Before beginning his practice, he completed his Dental General Practice Residency at Wadsworth-Brentwood Veterans Administration Medical Center. Dr. Prager is dedicated to keeping pace with modern dental technology through the use of low-radiation digital x-rays, air abrasion technology, and computerized video imaging.

Contact:
Dr. Jeffrey Prager
1420 King Street, Suite B Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 746-6622

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