Sleep Apnea and Snoring

27 Dec Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Over the past few years, we have been treating many patients who snore. Some were referred by their spouses after many a sleepless night. We discovered after a thorough exam that some of these patients also had sleep apnea, which if left untreated can be potentially fatal. Sleep apnea and its treatment was discussed in a recent New York Times article. One of the recommended treatments was the use of a removable dental appliance, which we have been using in our office the past few years.

Our patients are typically evaluated by taking a history and performing a detailed examination of their mouth. Some of the simple recommendations for snoring include; weight loss, sleeping on one’s side, avoidance of alcohol before bed and clearing of the nose. Patients suspected of having sleep apnea, as opposed to simple snoring, may be referred to a sleep laboratory for testing. Those diagnosed with severe sleep apnea may require CPAP or “continuous positive airway pressure”, utilizing a face mask and a small machine that pumps air into the mask. Patients who cannot tolerate the face mask, have mild sleep apnea or simply snore, might be best served with the dental appliance.

Although many different designs exist, most appliances are upper and lower devices simultaneously worn and designed to move your jaw slightly forward and to increase the height of your bite. This, in many patients opens their airway enough to stop snoring and to decrease sleep apnea. For a better night sleep for both you and your partner, schedule a snoring/sleep apnea consultation.

Sleep Apnea Relief NYC | Snoring Relief

Have more questions about snoring or sleep apnea relief in NYC? Hear at Dental Partners of Fifth Avenue we’re hear to help!