Sleep Apnea Treatment in Yonkers

What Happens with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

With OSA, the soft tissues in the back of your throat become so relaxed that they collapse and block your airway. Your tongue might fall back as well, helping to block off the airway. These lapses in breathing will occur frequently throughout the night. Oxygen deprivation has short and long-term consequences.

Which Sleep Apnea Symptoms Are the Most Dangerous?

Involuntarily falling asleep and difficulty concentrating can make a person with OSA more prone to have an accident at work or a motor vehicle accident. Other symptoms, such as waking up with a pounding headache or sore throat nearly every day are uncomfortable, but not immediately dangerous.

What Are the Sleep Apnea Causes?

OSA causes include:

• Obesity
• Have a neck size larger than 16 inches
• Having a thick tongue
• Taking sedatives
• Drinking alcohol before going to sleep
• Being male
• Being over 40

How Can I Get Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Yonkers?

Before you decide on a sleep apnea treatment, you need a diagnosis from a doctor. He or she will send you to a sleep lab to determine if you have a mild, moderate or a severe form of OSA. A sleep lab technician monitors your apnea events; up to 15 apnea events indicates you have mild OSA. You have moderate OSA if you have fewer than 29 apnea events, and 30 or more apnea events mean that you have severe OSA. Home sleep study kits are also available.

Mild forms of OSA can be treated with lifestyle changes first, such as losing weight and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes. Oral appliances from a dentist can treat cases of OSA, as can CPAP machines. When these treatments fail, the only option left is surgery. Call our dental office to learn how we can treat your diagnosed sleep apnea in Yonkers.

Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea

What Is an Oral Appliance for OSA?

An oral appliance for sleep apnea in Yonkers is a custom mouth guard that fits over your top and bottom teeth. It repositions the lower jaw, and possibly the tongue, to keep your airway open while you sleep. Specialized labs create the hardened acrylic oral appliances from molds of your teeth.

What Will an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea Cost?

You would have to consult with your dentist before learning the cost for your custom mouth guard. There are several types of oral appliances; our sleep dentist will recommend the appliance that will be the most effective. Call our office to arrange your consultation and you will receive the anticipated cost for your appliance after an examination.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

OAT is ideal for individuals who have mild to moderate OSA; however, a mouth guard can be used in conjunction with a CPAP machine in cases of severe OSA.

Will Dental Insurance Pay for a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece?

OSA is a medical condition that medical insurance companies generally cover; although, coverage varies between plans. Check your policy for details. We will help you get the maximum benefit for OAT from your medical insurance company.