Implant [vagus nerve and dental/oral]

[shinkdavid]

Has anyone known someone or received the chest implant that stimulates the nerves in your throat and mouth to keep the airway open? My sleep doc said it costs around $25k. He heard of a patient that accidentally pulled the cables out. Not sure how that happens. Personally, I don't want anything in my body controlling my muscles unless absolutely necessary. I do wonder about dental implants. In my office building there is a sleep apnea dentist across the hall from me.

[Mosquitobait]

I think you are referring to the Inspire Implant. I would hope that no insurance pays for this unless the patient has tried every other alternative.

Dental implants sometimes do work but they often cause TMJ. Treatment for TMJ is frequently not covered by health insurance. Basically, you trade one health condition for another which is more costly and painful in the long run.