Sleep Apnea Treatment in Westbury

JM Dental of Westbury provides digital smile design in Westbury, New York. Call 516-334-3444 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your airway becomes partially or fully blocked while you are asleep. When you lay down, especially on your back, the soft tissues of your mouth and your tongue can slide back towards your throat and your throat tissue can collapse and block your airway. A partially obstructed airway results in snoring and a fully obstructed airway causes you to stop breathing entirely for seconds at a time. 

Sleep apnea interferes with your normal sleep cycles, preventing you from getting good quality sleep. It can lead to the development of a variety of health problems including heart disease and diabetes.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate that you have sleep apnea and are in need of treatment: 

• Loud snoring or choking during sleep
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping 
• Feeling tired after waking up
• Lack of energy throughout the day
• Dozing off easily during the day
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Waking up with a dry mouth and/or throat 
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping) 

You may not be aware of the fact that you snore or stop breathing when you’re sleeping, but a bedpartner may bring it to your attention.

There are two main types of sleep apnea treatment: 

• Oral appliance. A custom oral appliance can be made for you to wear at night that specifically positions your jaw to prevent your airway from becoming obstructed.

• CPAP machine. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine includes a mask you wear over your mouth and nose that is connected to a device that delivers a constant flow of air that keeps your airway open while you sleep.

We provide custom oral appliances for sleep apnea and snoring that are comfortable and compact. You could see a doctor or a sleep specialist for treatment, but they are most likely to suggest you invest in a CPAP machine. Many patients prefer an oral appliance over a CPAP because it is smaller, silent, and easier to travel with. Patients with mild cases of sleep apnea often find relief with an oral appliance, however severe cases may require a CPAP machine. 

As a family practice we diagnose and treat sleep apnea in patients of all ages from children to adults. We strongly believe in the benefits of quality sleep, which is why we provide treatment for sleep apnea to improve your overall health and wellness.

It is very rare for sleep apnea to lead to suffocation. This is because your brain eventually registers the lack of oxygen in your system and rouses you from sleep so you can change positions and resume breathing.

Sleep apnea can occur in patients of all ages from children to adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent a variety of childhood health problems and improve growth and development into adulthood.

Lack of quality sleep will eventually take its toll on your overall health and wellness. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance resulting in type II diabetes, and general heart disease. Mental and emotional health is often negatively impacted as well.

Not always. Snoring happens when air moves over the soft tissues of your mouth and throat, causing vibrations. It suggests a partial obstruction of your airway, but not a complete blockage. Treatment for snoring can be beneficial for both the patient and their spouse or partner, improving the quality of sleep for both parties.

Sleep apnea treatment using an oral appliance is usually not covered under your dental insurance plan.

To learn more, call 516-334-3444 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.