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Health researchers believe that nearly 30 million Americans have sleep apnea, but only about six million have been diagnosed. At NYC Dental Wellness and Bergen Dental Wellness, Allison T. Moses, DDS, and her dental specialists offer diagnostic evaluations and treatment services for obstructive sleep apnea. The team can also address chronic jaw pain and sleep disruptions that result from TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders). They offer custom-fitted dental devices to improve your breathing while you sleep, so you can get high-quality sleep. Call the New Milford, New Jersey, or Midtown, Manhattan, New York, office today to schedule a sleep apnea evaluation or book an appointment online.
Sleep Apnea Q&A
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to periodically stop breathing while you sleep. This condition limits the amount of oxygen your body gets throughout the night and increases your risk for daytime sleepiness and a range of chronic health issues, including heart disease.
NYC Dental Wellness and Bergen Dental Wellness provides diagnostic evaluations and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which develops when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, blocking your airways.
The team also provides services to address TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorders), conditions that cause persistent pain and dysfunction in the jaw joints and muscles. The constant movement of your jaw during the night can wear out your joints and increase your risk of sleep apnea.
When should I seek medical attention for sleep apnea?
You can schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Bergen Dental Wellness and NYC Dental Wellness if you wake up frequently throughout the night gasping for breath. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Excessive sleepiness
The team completes an oral health exam to assess the soft tissues at the back of your throat and evaluate the function of your temporomandibular joints in your jaw. You might need X-rays or a referral to a specialist for a sleep study to confirm your type of sleep apnea.
Based on your exam and test results, the team designs a treatment plan to address sleep apnea and the symptoms of TMD.
How is sleep apnea treated?
NYC Dental Wellness and Bergen Dental Wellness team offers custom-fitted dental devices that keep your jaw forward to treat sleep apnea and TMJ/TMD. The device is similar to a mouth guard and fits over your teeth while you sleep.
You might also need to change your lifestyle and sleep routine to improve your sleep quality. Individuals with severe sleep apnea often benefit from using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which delivers supplemental oxygen through a face mask you wear while sleeping.
The dental specialists might recommend medication or physical therapy to ease pain and other symptoms of TMJ/TMD. In some cases, Botox® therapy or surgery will be necessary to relax your jaw muscles and prevent joint damage and other complications.
Call the NYC Dental Wellness and Bergen Dental Wellness office nearest you today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation or book your appointment online.