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Sleep Apnea Treatment-Hackensack, NJ

Wake Up Feeling Great Again

 

Tens of millions of Americans go to bed, wake up 7-9 hours later, and still feel exhausted. Why? In many cases, the culprit is sleep apnea, a condition where you literally stop breathing throughout the night.

This not only robs people of their rest, but also their health, but we’re able to offer a simple and proven form of sleep apnea treatment in Hackensack at Anderson Dental Center. For you or a loved one, a small mouthpiece might be all that’s needed to lead to better mornings, better days, and many healthy years to come. Keep reading to learn more or reach out today to schedule a sleep consultation with our team.

Why Choose Anderson Dental Center for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • 100% Custom Sleep Appliances for Each Patient
  • Able to Stop Even Severe Snoring

What is Sleep Apnea?

Young man with sleep apnea snoring

When a person has sleep apnea, their breathing pauses for 10 seconds or less several times throughout the night—over 100 times an hour in severe cases. This causes the body to partially wake up to restore normal respiration, but not enough that a person remembers it the next day. Often, this is due to the tissues in the mouth and throat collapsing together and sealing off the airway—this is known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.

As a result, a person’s sleep cycle is constantly being interrupted, meaning they don’t reach the deeper, more restorative stages. This is why someone can “sleep” throughout the night and still wake up feeling like they never went to bed!

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Tired man driving

Being exhausted all the time can really weigh someone down physically and emotionally, making it hard to be a good friend, spouse, parent, or employee. It also makes someone 3x more likely to be in a motor vehicle or workplace accident, which is a bigger increase than being under the influence of drugs or alcohol!

Sleep apnea is very stressful on the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart. When breathing is constantly being cut off, this causes the heart to work a lot harder to move the limited amount of oxygenated blood throughout the body. As a result, blood pressure skyrockets, and this effect can last for several hours, even after a person wakes up. As any doctor will tell you, consistently high blood pressure is one of the leading indicators that someone will suffer from a heart attack or stroke.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Sleep apnea oral appliance

The most popular sleep apnea treatment is CPAP therapy, wherein a patient’s airway is kept open using a steady stream of oxygen. A facemask is worn that is connected to a pump. If you don’t like the idea of having to go to bed while being attached to a loud, cumbersome machine, you’re far from alone—over 50% of people prescribed to use a CPAP stop within the first year due to discomfort.

But we can provide an alternative with oral appliance therapy. Designed by a sleep dentist, this small device fits like a mouthguard and is only worn to bed. It slightly changes the position of the lower jaw so the airway stays open, allowing someone to sleep deeply. It’s easier to use, dramatically more comfortable, and is already helping millions of people around the world finally get the rest they deserve.

To learn more about how we could create an oral appliance just for you and get your sleep under control, contact us today to get started.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

At first, the idea of seeing a dentist for sleep apnea treatment might seem strange. But the truth is that dentists are experts in the anatomy of the upper airway. For example, they are very familiar with how the teeth, jaws, and tongue can affect breathing.

Plus, many dentists undergo extra training in order to offer sleep apnea treatment. For example, Dr. Sufian Mahmoud at Anderson Dental Center in  Hackensack is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He had to fulfill strict criteria in order to attain that designation, and it sets him apart as a true expert in the field of sleep apnea therapy.

Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?

No, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores.

However, these two issues are often related. During snoring, tissues in the throat vibrate as air moves past them. In sleep apnea, those same tissues may over-relax to the point where they actually cause breathing disruptions. That is why loud, frequent snoring is often listed as one of the main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?

Sleep apnea is not self-diagnosable. However, you can and should monitor the quality of your sleep and talk to a qualified medical professional if you suspect you have this disorder. You may even find it beneficial to keep a sleep diary or use a sleep tracker on your smart device. The data you present to your care provider can do much to help them determine if you should be tested for sleep apnea.

Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?

In many cases, obesity is a major contributing factor to sleep apnea. Extra fatty tissue around your throat and abdomen can place pressure on your airway, increasing the risk of breathing problems during sleep. Losing even a modest amount of weight may help to reduce or even eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even very slim people may develop sleep apnea. In some cases, this condition is completely unrelated to body weight.

Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?

There are some at-home remedies and lifestyle changes that may reduce your symptoms. For example, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can promote better sleep. Sleeping on your side, using essential oils, and investing in a good mattress can also be helpful.

Ultimately, though, it is best to use professional treatment for sleep apnea. An oral appliance or another advanced therapy is often the most effective way to ensure high-quality sleep.