Airway Management Portland
A Healthy Airway Leads to a Healthier You
Your mouth and throat are vital parts of your upper airway. Unfortunately, many people have anatomical abnormalities that interfere with proper breathing, especially at night. If that is true of you or your child, you might benefit from the airway management services available from Dr. Teasdale and our Portland team. What is airway management, and what can you expect from it? Continue reading this page to find out. You are also welcome to contact us to ask questions.
Who Can Benefit from Airway Management?
Airway management can benefit patients of virtually all ages who have a narrow or obstructed upper airway, which may be due to loose tissues in the throat, problems with jaw development, or other factors.
In children, upper airway problems may manifest themselves in symptoms like behavioral issues, dark circles under their eyes, and bedwetting. You may also notice that they snore, sometimes experience pauses in breathing while asleep, or often complain of being tired.
In adults, symptoms can also include snoring, tiredness, and pauses in breathing during sleep (a condition known as sleep apnea). Mood swings, irritability, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and poor reaction times can also occur.
How We Treat Airway Deficiency
Dr. Teasdale and our team want to address the root causes of airway deficiency, not merely address its symptoms. In order to do so, we may recommend one of the following treatments:
- This is a unique oral appliance system that gently reshapes the jaws in order to widen the upper airway. It can also train the lower jaw to rest in the proper position. A full course of treatment may take 1 – 2 years, but it can often provide permanent results.
- QuiteNite laser treatment. This is a non-invasive therapy that uses a laser to tighten loose tissues in the throat. It also stimulates the production of collagen, an important structural protein. Periodic touch-up treatments may be necessary in order to maintain results.
- Braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances may be necessary in order to bring your oral structures into harmony. This can reduce airway problems during sleep.
Surgical Treatment vs. Appliance Therapy
In some cases, surgical intervention is the best way to address airway abnormalities. For example, a doctor might correct a deviated septum or perform corrective jaw surgery. Such procedures can, in some cases, provide permanent relief from airway problems.
However, it is understandable if you are reluctant to commit to an invasive procedure, especially when more conservative options may be available. Dr. Teasdale and our team can evaluate your airway and formulate a professional opinion on how you can experience the best results with as little inconvenience as possible.