Sleep Apnea Treatment in Queens, NY
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Sleep Apnea and Your Dentist's Role: Oral Appliance Therapy
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep. This can block your airway again and again, interrupting your breathing all night. The classic warning signs are heavy snoring, gasping or choking awake, and waking up tired no matter how long you slept. Diagnosing sleep apnea and finding out how severe it is requires a sleep study. A physician or sleep specialist orders this test — a dentist can't. But once you've been diagnosed, your dentist at CitiDental of Woodhaven can offer the treatment itself: a custom-fitted oral appliance.
An oral appliance is a custom-made device, a bit like a mouthguard. It gently moves your jaw and tongue forward during sleep to help keep your airway open. It's a well-established option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It also helps those who've been diagnosed but can't tolerate a CPAP machine. Sleep medicine specialists often recommend it as an alternative or add-on treatment. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine says oral appliance therapy is clinically proven and FDA-cleared. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine work with your physician to fit and adjust the device. If you've already been diagnosed with sleep apnea, ask your Queens dentist if an oral appliance is right for you.
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Read More About Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder. It’s serious because your throat muscles relax while you sleep. You can’t tighten them, so your airway gets blocked. The most noticeable symptom is heavy snoring. But you may not even realize you’re in danger.
Other signs can help your Queens dentist tell how severe your sleep apnea is. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms include:
- Fatigue when awake.
- Headaches when you wake up.
- Coughing or choking that disturb your sleep.
- Dry mouth after sleeping.
- Difficulty concentrating throughout the day.
- Depression or irritability.
- High blood pressure.
- Reduced libido.
- Night sweats.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Queens
Diagnosing sleep apnea starts with a sleep study. Your physician or a sleep specialist usually orders this test. It measures how many times your airway closes each hour while you sleep, and how severe the problem is. That diagnosis and severity rating decides which treatment makes sense for you. Once you have your diagnosis, your CitiDental of Woodhaven dentist can talk through the dental options available.
Options for sleep apnea treatment include:
- Dental device for sleep apnea. Mild to moderate sleep apnea is often best treated with a custom-made dental mouthpiece.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Known as a CPAP machine, this is usually the top choice for severe sleep apnea. It’s also useful for treating moderate and mild conditions.
Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treatment for mild sleep apnea often works well. A well-fitted dental appliance can be one of the best options. It helps both you and your partner get a calm night's rest.
The dental appliance gently pushes your lower jaw forward. This keeps your throat muscles and tissue from blocking your airway when they relax. Your Queens dentist makes you a custom-fitted device, then fine-tunes it at follow-up visits to make sure it works well.
Dental Device for Sleep Apnea at CitiDental of Woodhaven
After talking with your dentist about your options, pick a method that works and one you’ll actually use. CPAP is effective for severe sleep apnea, and even for milder forms. But if the machine feels too uncomfortable or noisy, you might stop using it. That puts your health at further risk.
For mild sleep apnea, a dental mouthpiece may be a better choice. It’s easy to use and fits your mouth. That can solve the comfort problem and help you use it regularly.
What Puts You at Higher Risk for Sleep Apnea?
The cost of an oral appliance depends on the device and your specific case. Medical or dental insurance often covers at least part of it, since sleep apnea is a diagnosed medical condition. Ask us to check your benefits before your visit.
As your family dentist, we already know your background and dental history. That helps when we talk with your physician about your treatment options. Common risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Obesity or excess weight around the neck and airway.
- High blood pressure.
- Chronic sinus problems or asthma.
- Smoking.
- Enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
- Being male.
- A family history of the condition.
- Diabetes.
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