Sleep Apnea and Snore Guards in Locust Valley Near Queens and Long Island, NY
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What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that results in pauses of breathing during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and positional. These are caused by an obstructed airway, nerve signal disruption, and the position in which you sleep, respectively.
Episodes of sleep apnea typically last between 10 and 30 seconds, during which time blood oxygen levels drop, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and sometimes causes a person to wake up.
How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
For a clinical diagnosis, someone who believes they suffer from sleep apnea has to get a sleep study administered by their primary physician or a sleep specialist.
However, dentists are often the first people who notice signs of sleep apnea during routine checkups, especially when the patient is unaware that they have the disorder. Dentists like Dr. Koster can diagnose and help treat sleep apnea to resolve the symptoms of the disorder and help bring a healthy sleep routine back to the bedroom.
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Fatigue during the day
- Struggling to stay asleep
It’s worth noting that not all people who snore or grind their teeth have sleep apnea, but having a combination of symptoms makes it much more likely that the cause is sleep apnea.
During a comprehensive dental exam, Dr. Koster can identify additional symptoms of sleep apnea, which include having a red or inflamed throat, bad breath, and signs of tooth wear as a result of grinding.
Meet your dentist
While working at several of the top cosmetic dental practices in Manhattan, Dr. Adrianne Koster developed her unique approach to dental fillings. Using modern composite fillings, she can create smiles that are both beautiful and healthy.
She has been named a “Top New York Dentist” each year since 2016 because of her:
- Attention to detail and skill
- Warm, caring, and attentive approach to patient care
- Emphasis on comfort and satisfaction
- Continued study of the latest dental technology
- Passion for changing lives
What are the Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea?
Seeking treatment for sleep apnea is highly important, as this disorder disrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, leading to both short- and long-term consequences. In addition, sleep apnea is linked to serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
Although there are many affordable solutions marketed as solutions for sleep apnea, the best approach to treating sleep apnea is with the help of a medical professional who knows your unique needs and concerns. By talking to Dr. Koster about your sleep apnea concerns, she can recommend a customized approach that takes all your symptoms into account and protects your dental health.
CPAP Machines
Still, the most popular sleep apnea solution in the United States, continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines correct sleep apnea by applying air pressure to the throat to keep it open between breaths. People who use CPAP machines wear a mask throughout the night that is connected by a hose to a machine that provides the air pressure.
The downside to CPAP machines is that they require electricity, they can disturb others in the same room, and they must be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth. In addition, some people simply cannot tolerate wearing the mask, as it can be uncomfortable and interfere with common sleep positions.
Snore Guards
Research is continuing to confirm the efficacy of new sleep apnea treatments involving oral mouthpieces sometimes referred to as snore guards. There are two main types of sleep apnea mouthpieces that work in different ways. Jaw advancing devices (JAD) or mandibular advancement devices (MAD) pull the lower jaw forward to help keep the throat open during sleep. Alternatively, tongue retaining devices work by keeping the tongue in place, keeping the airway clear.
Oral sleep apnea treatment isn’t right for everyone. They are most effective at treating mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring and may even be recommended in conjunction with CPAP therapy. Dr. Koster can help you identify which oral device may work for you and provide a mouthpiece for snoring and sleep apnea that is perfectly molded to your mouth.
Lifestyle Changes
Some cases of sleep apnea can be treated simply by adjusting your lifestyle. Quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and losing weight can all improve the symptoms of sleep apnea for various reasons. Weight loss can help relieve sleep apnea by reducing the amount of tissue in the neck and the weight pressing on the throat. Smoking weakens the respiratory system and can cause inflammation of the throat, worsening snoring and sleep apnea. Alcohol, in contrast, relaxes the muscles of the body, including the throat, causing airway restriction.
Help with Sleep Apnea at Locust Valley Dentists
If you’re concerned you may have sleep apnea and are looking for a convenient solution for a mild to moderate condition, a custom-fitted snore guard may be right for you. Start the process today by calling 516-759-2288 or contacting us online to learn more about our sleep apnea solutions and to schedule a dental evaluation.
Is Locust Valley Dentists right for you?
At Locust Valley Dentists, you always come first. We begin every appointment by listening to you. You’re encouraged to share any concerns about how your smile looks or feels.
We’ll answer your questions and review the treatment options available to you, including dental fillings.
We’ll talk about:
- Common causes of tooth decay
- Dangers of mercury fillings
- Which toothbrush and floss to use
- Proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Why Dr. Koster’s uses a rubber dam during fillings
- Which foods to eat to reduce your risk of cavities
- How to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come
If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, don’t worry.
At Locust Valley Dentists, we are known for being gentle, warm, and friendly. This will be the most relaxing and comfortable dental experience of your life! To decrease anxiety during treatment we offer our patients:
Eyewear
Headphones
Soothing music
Blankets
Aromatherapy
Location
- Convenient office hours to fit the busiest schedules
Philosophy
- There’s never any stress or judgment here
Office
- Our modern, calm, and relaxing office is one of a kind
Education
- Learn how our modern fillings improve your health and appearance
No Insurance? No problem.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you can still get the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed about! At Locust Valley Dentists, we offer a variety of financing options. We’re here to answer all of your questions.
Insurance & Financing
For your filling, our office is able to work with many PPO insurance providers.
Our friendly front office team will help you file your claim and maximize your insurance benefits. If you don’t see your provider listed or if you have questions about payment options, contact our office to learn more.
Our Office
The dentist will see you soon.
Book your appointment online or call (516) 759-2288. We can’t wait to meet you!
