Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Roslyn Heights, NY
Finding the right medical and dental solutions for sleep apnea in Roslyn Heights can be a real challenge. At Jutkowitz Periodontics & Implantology, we offer treatments and appliances designed specifically to address this sleep disorder and to protect you and your family from some of the negative side effects of apnea episodes. We are committed to delivering practical, affordable treatment options for our patients in the Roslyn Heights area.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Apnea is usually defined as a sudden and brief interruption in breathing that usually occurs during sleep. For patients that suffer from this disorder, the consequences can be serious. Apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in those affected by this disorder. It can also cause worry and stress for family members that could put added strain on these relationships.
What Are the Varying Types of Sleep Apnea?
Apnea issues are usually divided into three categories based on the physical mechanism that causes the interruption in breathing:
- Central apnea is caused by a misfire in the brain signals that direct the muscles of the diaphragm to breathe during sleep.
- Obstructive apnea is generally caused by a collapse of the muscles of the airway, which results in a blockage that stops breathing temporarily. This is the most common form of apnea.
- Mixed apnea combines symptoms and aspects of both of the two other types of apnea.
What Are the Most Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?
Some of the most commonly reported symptoms of apnea issues include the following:
- Reports from loved ones that you stop breathing during your sleep
- Loud or disruptive snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking and out of breath
- Dry mouth and sore throat upon awakening in the morning
- Headaches, insomnia and sleepiness during the day
- Irritability and short attention spans
- Persistent fatigue
If you or someone you love suffers from these symptoms, scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider is the best way to determine if apnea is the cause for these serious symptoms.
Sleep Apnea Causes and Contributing Factors
A number of different conditions and factors can contribute to the development of apnea in patients in our area:
- Men are more than twice as likely to develop apnea issues.
- People over the age of 40 are also at higher risk.
- People who smoke or drink alcohol are also considered to be at a higher risk of apnea issues. The use of tranquilizers and other medications can also contribute to the likelihood of apnea episodes.
- Obesity increases the risk of apnea.
- Medical conditions that include Type 2 diabetes, congestive heart disease, high blood pressure and asthma have been identified as contributing factors to sleep apnea.
People who have a larger neck circumference may be more likely to have narrow airways, which have been implicated in many cases of obstructive apnea.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Roslyn Heights
The right sleep apnea solution can make a big difference in your health and your ability to enjoy a restful night's sleep. For severe or chronic issues, surgical solutions may be the best option for you or your loved one. In most cases, however, your physician will offer less drastic solutions for this sleep disorder, which may include the following:
- Changes in your sleeping position to keep your airway open
- Weight loss recommendations
- Smoking cessation and cutting back on alcohol consumption
- Medications to clear congestion and to help with keeping your airway clear
- Oral appliance therapy to adjust the position of your jaw
Jutkowitz Periodontics & Implantology can provide you with a customized oral appliance for sleep apnea that could help you manage this condition more effectively. Our dentists will work with you to determine the best solutions for helping you to enjoy uninterrupted sleep in our area.
Using an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Roslyn Heights
At our dental practice, we can provide you with a sleep apnea mouth guard that is customized to your needs and that fits your mouth perfectly. This will allow you to enjoy the most restful sleep and the greatest peace of mind regarding your dental appliance staying in place while you sleep.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?
Along with the obvious advantage of more restful sleep, oral appliance therapy (OAT) also reduces the risk of certain health problems that are associated with apnea. These may include heart disease, high blood pressure and the development of Type 2 diabetes in vulnerable individuals.
Is OAT Covered by Insurance?
The sleep apnea mouthpiece options we offer are often covered by medical insurance plans. We will work with you to determine an affordable, practical way to manage the cost of your apnea treatments with our office.
To learn more about our lineup of dental services, give Jutkowitz Periodontics & Implantology a call today to schedule an appointment with our team. You can reach us at (516) 240-9072 to touch base with our team of dental professionals.