Sleep Apnea Treatment – West Caldwell, NJ
Helping You Sleep Soundly Again
If you snore, you may not even be aware of it unless your partner points it out or gives you the angry elbow and tells you to roll over during sleep. In these situations, couples are often forced to sleep in separate rooms. This can limit connection and intimacy and put the relationship at risk. Heavy snoring can also be an indication of a serious underlying condition known as obstructive sleep apnea that can greatly impact your overall health. Luckily, our skilled team at Magid Dental Care offers customized sleep apnea treatment in West Caldwell, NJ.
Why Choose Magid Dental Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Personalized Oral Appliance Therapy
- Ivy League-Trained Dentist
- Comfortable Boutique-Style Dental Practice
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition affecting millions of Americans. As you sleep, throat tissue blocks your airway, and because you cannot breathe, your brain signals your body to awaken. These episodes of waking can occur hundreds of times per night even though you may not be aware of it.
Because your body does not receive adequate oxygen or sleep, severe symptoms can occur, including:
- Depression
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Inability to concentrate
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Risk Factors of Sleep Apnea
Certain risk factors and lifestyle habits increase the chances you can develop sleep apnea. Some of them include:
- Being male
- Being over 65 years of age
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Taking certain medications
- Taking certain drugs
- Having a large neck circumference
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or your partner has told you that you snore loudly or stop breathing while you sleep, schedule an appointment with an accredited sleep clinic to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Diagnosis & Treatment of OSA
A sleep study, either at home or in a sleep clinic, will determine if you have sleep apnea. After diagnosis, your dentist will recommend treatment based on the severity of your condition.
For patients with severe sleep apnea, a CPAP (continuous positive air pressure) machine provides the greatest amount of relief. For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, our West Caldwell dental office offers customized oral appliances, which many patients find more comfortable and convenient.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, oral appliance therapy (OAT) is effective for patients seeking an alternative to CPAP treatment. It works by gently guiding your lower jaw forward, opening your airway, and eliminating the obstruction.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Chronic Snoring
If you do not have sleep apnea but still suffer from snoring, our oral appliances work effectively to reduce or eliminate snoring so you and your partner can enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Getting a proper night’s sleep doesn’t just make for a better morning, it can help keep your body healthy and strong while preventing a variety of dangerous side effects and conditions ‘round the clock. Unfortunately, however, some patients with sleep apnea never seek treatment because they don’t believe they can afford it. At Magid Dental Care, we want our patients to live a long, healthy life, and get plenty of quality sleep to keep them feeling their best. That’s why we’re proud to help make sleep apnea treatment as affordable as possible. Here’s a closer look at how we do it.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
In most cases, dental insurance will not cover sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment. However, many medical insurance plans do. Contact your plan directly to confirm coverage.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are several different factors that could influence the cost of your sleep apnea treatment; however, these can only be calculated once the patient has received a consultation with Dr. Magid. The two main factors to consider include:
- How much of the treatment your dental or medical insurance will cover. This is typically based on whether all the necessary paperwork has been submitted, such as clinical diagnosis notes, a copy of your sleep study, and your sleep doctor’s written prescription.
- Which type of treatment you choose.
Please note that with proper pre-authorization, your medical insurance will typically specify how much they plan on covering before you receive your devices, so you’ll know how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket in advance.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
While it may seem like a big hassle and expense to go through all the necessary steps to have a sleep study, such as visiting a sleep doctor and getting an official diagnosis for sleep apnea, the truth is that leaving this condition untreated can take an incredibly dangerous toll on your body and brain, and can ultimately lead to more expensive healthcare bills down the road.
In addition to disrupting your sleep, sleep apnea has been shown to increase your risk of developing numerous health problems including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, cognitive impairment, weight gain, acid reflux, memory loss, and hyperglycemia, making treatment the more cost-effective solution in the long run.
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
At Magid Dental Care, we are proud to welcome financing plans from CareCredit, which can break up the cost of your sleep apnea treatment into multiple, low-to-no interest monthly payments that may be better suited to your budget. To learn more about these plans, or with any questions or concerns about paying for your sleep apnea treatment, please visit our website or call us today for assistance.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
How Long Do Sleep Apnea Episodes Last?
As dangerous as sleep apnea is (and can be), its episodes are rather short. They only last a few moments or so before the sufferer resumes normal breathing.
More specifically, the average sleep apnea episode is roughly ten seconds to two minutes. As many as five to thirty of these periods can occur each hour of sleep, depending on the patient. You’ll ultimately have to get a sleep test to fully confirm your case’s severity; 0-15 “apnea events” per hour is mild, while 30 events or more per hour is severe.
For help with the sleep test, please see a qualified sleep apnea specialist. They’ll provide the necessary equipment and resources.
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
While snoring is its most common symptom, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Someone could make snorting or grunting sounds during sleep without having the latter condition.
All in all, a snorer is only likely to have sleep apnea if their snoring is accompanied by other symptoms. These might include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
- Restless sleep
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain at night
You’ll ultimately need to get a sleep study/test to confirm whether you have sleep apnea. From there, our team can provide you with appropriate treatment(s) as needed.
How Can I Travel with Sleep Apnea?
It’s definitely possible to travel with sleep apnea in West Caldwell, and you could even do so easily. You’ll just need to keep a few points in mind.
For starters, make sure to travel with small treatment devices. A bulky CPAP machine can be hard to get through airport security, car rides, and so on. You’d do better to bring an oral appliance instead; it could easily fit in your pocket!
You should also maintain as much of your normal sleep routine as possible. Apnea episodes become more likely when your rest is haphazard, and can then cause worse issues.
Can I Still Get an Oral Sleep Appliance If I Grind My Teeth?
Even if you grind your teeth, you can still get an oral sleep appliance from us. Your tendency to clench your jaw won’t interfere with the treatment process.
The truth is that oral appliances are made to endure your bite. Indeed, they can even prevent tooth damage from bruxism – a secondary benefit of apnea treatment. You thus won’t have to worry about your device breaking down from grinding.
For specifics on how treatment can manage both sleep apnea and grinding, consult Dr. Magid. He’ll gladly give you the relevant details!