Westchester Sleep Apnea Dentist
Are you tired of sleep apnea symptoms that disturb your sleep?
The Westchester sleep apnea dentist has the solution you need!
If you find yourself struggling to breathe during sleep or if your partner complains of excessive snoring, you may suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is a serious medical condition that should be treated immediately because it can lead to long-term complications like cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that occurs when a blocked airway results in the patient’s body being deprived of oxygen. The flow of oxygen does not move normally through the nose and mouth and the patient struggles to breathe. OSA patients often snore persistently and wake up frequently during the night as the body tries to restart the flow of oxygen.
How do I know if I have OSA?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea are disrupted sleep, snoring, exhaustion, gasping for breath, and morning headaches. If you suffer from these symptoms or think you might have OSA, it is important to see your physician. He or she will discuss your symptoms and may recommend a sleep study to make a firm diagnosis.
Depending on the results and diagnosis, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance provided by the sleep apnea dentist Westchester office that comfortably and safely treats OSA. We work closely with your physician to determine what type of appliance will work best for you.
If I snore do I have sleep apnea?
The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. However, just because you snore does not necessarily mean you have OSA. Snoring occurs when the jaw drops open during sleep, causing soft tissue at the back of the throat to vibrate.
What options are available for treating sleep apnea?
Until recently, the only device available to treat OSA was a cumbersome CPAP mask. But many patients who are being treated with a CPAP mask simply stop wearing it because it is bulky and uncomfortable. The Westchester sleep apnea dentist offers effective alternatives for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring that are unobtrusive and easy to use.
Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) for Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea
The Thornton Adjustable Positioner is designed to permit oxygen to flow freely through the airway. It works by holding the lower jaw in a forward position to prevent your jaw from falling open during the night, which can lead to airway collapse and obstruction. The TAP keeps the airway clear to improve breathing and reduce snoring.
The device is worn in a manner similar to that of a mouth guard. It is custom-made by using impressions taken by the Westchester sleep apnea dentist to hold the teeth in proper position while you sleep. The TAP is designed so that the patient can adjust it for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Silent Nite and EMA Devices to Eliminate Snoring
Both Silent Nite and the EMA Device are dental devices that work by moving the lower jaw forward. This allows the airway to remain open so that breathing is not obstructed and soft tissue vibrations are reduced. With both devices, special flexible connectors attach to the upper and lower portion of the device.
Silent Nite and the EMA Device are both comfortable because they are custom-made to precisely fit over the patient’s teeth. The flexible connectors allow some movement of the jaw while keeping the airway open so that breathing is not inhibited.
