Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing while a person sleeps. These breathing interruptions are known as apneas, and each apnea can last from a few seconds to a few minutes throughout the night.
Sleep apnea prevents people from getting a restful night of sleep and can negatively impact health. If untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to a higher risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Types of Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles of the throat relax. With the muscles relaxed, soft tissues in the mouth, such as the soft palate, tongue, and tonsils, can physically block the airway while a person sleeps.
A less common form of sleep apnea, central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain does not properly send signals to the muscles that control breathing while a person sleeps. In cases of CSA, a person's air passageways are fine and clear from physical blockages.
Complex sleep apnea involves elements of both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. A person may have narrow air passageways as well as issues with the way their brain controls muscle function. For this reason, it's also referred to as mixed sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
- Loud or heavy snoring
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty concentrating while awake
- Grogginess
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Excessive Weight
People who are obese are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea due to fat deposits surrounding the upper airway.
Narrow Airways
If you were born with narrower airways or large tonsils and adenoids, you have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
Smoking
Smoking increases the likelihood of fluid retention and inflammation of the upper airway, contributing to obstructive sleep apnea.
A Person's Age
While sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, the sleep disorder is much more common in adults, particularly older adults.
A Person's Gender
Sleep apnea is more common in men, yet the risk of the condition is higher in women who are obese or who have completed menopause.
Certain Medical Conditions
Conditions that increase sleep apnea risk include chronic lung disease, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, and hormonal disorders.
Do You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Contact Ridgewood Dental Associates
If you think you have obstructive sleep apnea, the team at our Ridgewood, NJ, practice can help. We have treated many individuals with sleep apnea throughout northeastern New Jersey, relieving their symptoms and improving their quality of life in the process. Taking a conservative approach to treating sleep apnea, we attempt to remedy the sleep disorder without surgery or other invasive procedures.
To speak with our dentists about treating obstructive sleep apnea, contact our practice today. You can also reach our Ridgewood, NJ, office by phone.
Call for an Appointment
(201) 652-2474
We Will Put Your Health First Patient-Centered Care in Bergen County
roberta decandia
2019
The staff is very friendly & accomidating. I went there because I have sleep apnea, I was using a C-pac machine but found it very uncomfortable therefore i still was not sleeping right. I came across an article in magazine mentioning a mouthpiece appliance to help people with sleep apnea. I heard of Ridgewood Dental & made an appointment. Dr. Samani was very thorough in explaining how the mouthpiece works, a mold was made to order the appliance for me. I definitely reccomend Ridgewood Dental. Roberta
View on GoogleDolores Leon
2021
After several visits/consultations, I am confident I am in good hands with Dr. Joung and wholeheartedly recommend this practice for dental work. In particular, Aleyda has been extremely patient, knowledgeable, and helpful as I made my decision.. She answered my questions and addressed concerns I had, even if they were questions/concerns she previously answered. And she did so with kindness, patience, and a smile. Same is true with the rest of the staff, including Estella and Amy, who helped me feel at home.
View on GoogleDiagnosing Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from sleep apnea symptoms and risk factors are present, it's crucial that you contact our Ridgewood, NJ practice for a consultation. You will undergo a sleep study that will gather crucial data. This sleep study can be conducted in a hospital or clinic sleep center, or it can also be done from the comfort of your own home.
Hospital Sleep Study
Hospital sleep studies have you sleep in a clinical facility where your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movements are monitored.
At-Home Sleep Study
Using an at-home sleep study kit as directed, you can measure your own oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vitals to be analyzed by professionals.
Based on the collected data, we can determine if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, or a different sleep disorder or medical condition.
Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, we may recommend the use of an oral appliance worn during the night. This simple custom mouthpiece can keep your airway clear from obstructions, allowing you to breathe easily through the night. How Does It Work?
Worn during sleep, the mouthpiece can prevent the tongue from blocking the airway or reposition the jaw to keep the airway open.
Is It Comfortable?
Yes. Each oral appliance is custom fabricated for the patient. We take impressions to ensure the appliance doesn't cause discomfort.
Is It Effective?
Yes. We've found that oral appliances are an effective treatment option for people who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Read More Positive Reviews Proudly Helping the Bergen County Community
Koreen Miller
2020
Always feel welcomed, never rushed. Questions are thoroughly answered. Appointments are on time. Can't ask for much more than that.
View on GoogleHannah K Lim
2021
I highly recommend going to Ridgewood Dental! They are so friendly, welcoming, and very professional! They are very thorough in making sure your teeth are well taken care of.
View on GoogleOral Appliance vs. CPAP Machine Comparing Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatments
What Is a CPAP Machine?
The CPAP machine is a popular option for treating sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The device consists of a console, hose, and mask worn over the nose. The CPAP machine delivers continuous positive airway pressure that pushes to keep the upper airway open.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
CPAP machines can be quite effective at treating obstructive sleep apnea, though some people find the mask uncomfortable, especially when compared to a non-intrusive oral appliance. That said, each patient is different. We can discuss if an oral appliance or a CPAP machine is better for your needs during a consultation.
Advanced Treatments for Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from central sleep apnea or an advanced case of obstructive sleep apnea, the use of an oral appliance or CPAP machine may not be sufficient to address your health needs. Lifestyle changes and more advanced procedures may be recommended to improve the quality of your sleep. Using the information from your exam and sleep study, we can develop a custom treatment plan just for you.
The Cost of Treatment
The cost of treating obstructive sleep apnea can vary. The nature and complexity of your case will determine the price of treatment. We can discuss pricing as well as financing over the phone or during a consultation at our Ridgewood, NJ, office.
