Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Long Island

The Basics of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive apnea is the most common form of this condition. It is usually the result of the partial or complete collapse of the airway during sleep. Central apnea is less common and is caused by the failure of the brain to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing. Some people show signs of both of these types of apnea in a condition that is referred to as mixed apnea. This sleep disorder can cause a number of symptoms that can be disruptive to normal sleeping habits.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Symptoms of apnea may include some or all of the following indications of this sleep disorder:

• Loud or broken snoring
• Periods when breathing is interrupted for a short period of time
• Waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
• Fatigue, irritability or headaches during the day
• Sore throat or dry mouth upon awakening
• Short attention span during daily activities

If you or any member of your family have experienced these symptoms, consulting with your doctor is a solid step in the right direction for treating apnea issues effectively. Long Island Dental Specialty can also help with dental appliances designed to help our patients enjoy uninterrupted sleep and better health now and for the future.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Some of the most common risk factors associated with apnea issues include obesity, age and a family history of the condition. Other factors that may play a role in the development of this sleep disorder include the following:

• The use of alcohol and tobacco products is associated with a higher risk of apnea issues.
• Tranquilizers and other medications are also implicated in some cases of this sleep disorder.
• Gender may also play a role. Men are two to three times more likely to suffer from apnea disorders than women are.
• Larger neck circumference is often associated with a narrower airway, which is a known contributing factor to apnea.
• Respiratory difficulties that cause nasal congestion are also risk factors for this sleep disorder.

These are the most common sleep apnea causes. Finding the right solutions for sleep apnea in Long Island can help you to manage this condition for a happier and healthier life.

Treatments for Sleep Apnea in Long Island

Surgery is usually a treatment of last resort for patients who have apnea issues. Adjusting your sleep position or losing weight may help in reducing the number of apnea episodes you experience. You may also be prescribed medications to prevent episodes of apnea while you sleep. Oral appliance therapy is also used as an effective method for keeping the airway open and helping you to sleep more peacefully and with fewer interruptions. Our dental team can help you with the right appliance to help you manage apnea issues.

Why You Need a Custom Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Long Island

If your doctor has recommended an oral appliance for sleep apnea, Long Island Dental Specialty can create a custom solution that fits your mouth. Our team will take impressions of your teeth and will create a sleep apnea mouthpiece that fits properly and that will not slip out of place while you sleep. This can provide added comfort when dealing with issues related to sleep apnea and interrupted sleep.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy, also known as OAT, usually involves the use of a sleep apnea mouth guard that adjusts the position of the jaw to open up the airway. Some of the most important benefits of OAT include the following:

• A convenient non-surgical solution for apnea issues
• Improved sleep for patients who use these devices
• Reduced risk of high blood pressure and heart disease associated with apnea
• A lower chance of accidents caused by fatigue and interrupted sleep
• Greater comfort for patients and their loved ones during the sleeping hours

At Long Island Dental Specialty, we are proud to offer assistance with OAT for our patients and for individuals throughout the Long Island area. We work to make sure you receive the right solutions for your needs.

Managing the Cost of Oral Appliance Therapy

The dentists at Long Island Dental Specialty are committed to keeping the costs of your dental care low. Insurance will often cover at least a part of the cost of your dental appliances, especially if they have been recommended by your physician as a treatment for apnea issues.

If you need dental care in Long Island, call Long Island Dental Specialty today at to schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.