Many people are now asking, “Why is my dentist treating sleep apnea?” and that’s a great question. Medical doctors are highly skilled at treating and diagnosing so many ailments, but to be honest, sleep apnea is not high on the list. Medical doctors go through so many rotations, including surgery, geriatrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, ER medicine, and internal medicine, so sleep medicine is just not high on the list of conditions to focus on during the education, training, and rotations.

Sleep apnea dentists like Dr. Karthilde Appolon in Midtown Manhattan undergo extensive education and training to understand the connection between the mouth, jaw, and breathing. They are the best source for sleep apnea treatment today. Dr. Appolon loves this area of dentistry and wants to continue to delve into this type of medicine. Dr. Appolon is changing lives in and around Midtown Manhattan by providing patients with the best sleep.

Man covering his ears while his wife snores

Sleep Apnea Treatment is Affordable, Highly Effective, and Manageable

Sleep apnea dentist Dr. Karthilde Appolon at Appolon Dental Group is a leading sleep apnea dentist serving Midtown Manhattan and surrounding areas. Her education, training, and experience have allowed her to change hundreds of lives in the Big Apple area, and she can change your life, too. 

The strides in sleep medicine are astounding, and there’s no reason why you must suffer one more night with insufficient quality sleep that leaves you exhausted the next day, unable to focus, and feeling miserable.  You will likely need sleep apnea treatment if you suffer any of these symptoms:

  • Daytime fatigue/drowsiness
  • Feeling exhausted upon waking
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Sore throat in the morning
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Brain fog
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression

Tired of Being Tired?

If you feel tired a lot even after first waking up for the day, or if you find yourself struggling during the workday with even the simplest tasks, your issues may be due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Has your partner kicked you to the guest room for snoring? Are you irritable and depressed regularly?

Are you fatigued every day regardless of what time you go to bed? Have you eliminated caffeine and alcohol during the afternoon and evening and still find yourself feeling less than great the next day?

Suppose you’ve answered “yes” to these questions. In that case, you likely have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is a pervasive but complex breathing-related sleep disorder that your Midtown Manhattan sleep dentist can treat. 

You can take an at-home sleep test, or you can have one done in a sleep clinic. Most people prefer to have the two-night sleep test done in the comfort of their own home. Once you get that “official” sleep apnea diagnosis, treatment may begin.

Innovations in Sleep Apnea Treatment

While CPAP is highly effective in some patients, it is no longer the only treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and requires that you sleep connected to a machine (with a mask and hose) that keeps your airway unobstructed while you sleep. The compliance rate with CPAP is not as good as it should be because many find it simply too hard to manage.

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is the new kid in town, taking the nation by storm. This sleep apnea treatment is a custom-designed oral appliance that gently places your jaw/bite into an optimal position. In contrast, sleep keeps your airway unobstructed so you can breathe easily, not snore, and not choke and gasp for air. It will change your life, provide sound sleep, and improve your general health and emotional well-being.

Oral Appliance Therapy is affordable, and all you have to do is wear it while you sleep. Keep it clean, store it properly, and take it everywhere. Unlike CPAP, there is no bulky machine, no hoses and masks, no loud noises, and no discomfort. You will get used to your oral appliance quickly, and the results will change your life.

Dr. Appolon, who is a leading sleep apnea dentist in Midtown Manhattan, will also likely suggest some lifestyle/habit modifications, including:

  • Eliminate alcohol and caffeine in the afternoon
  • Exercise 
  • Choose a different mattress or pillow
  • Adjust your sleep position
  • Avoid work/devices at night
  • Lose weight if necessary
  • Keep to a regular schedule
  • Don’t spend hours in bed watching TV or working

What to Expect with OAT

Oral appliance therapy is an excellent alternative to CPAP. The oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard that you put in at night. It repositions your jaw to help hold your airway open at night. It is most effective when used every night; it’s simple to put in your mouth, and you’ll get used to it in no time. There’s a much higher compliance rate with OAT than with CPAP.

With OAT, your snoring days will be over because snoring is the sound we make as we force air through an obstructed airway, and the choking and gasping for breath that occurs hundreds of times each night is what causes you to feel exhausted upon arising. With your mouth and jaw in their optimal position while you sleep with an oral appliance, you won’t snore, you won’t choke and gasp for air, and you’ll sleep more soundly than ever.

Dr. Appolon uses the MicrO2 Appliance, which is small, comfortable, effective, and easy to adjust for maximum comfort. Oral appliance therapy is the most affordable sleep apnea treatment in Midtown Manhattan, and it’s easy, portable, and much more comfortable than CPAP.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea can cause severe medical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. After a simple at-home or in-clinic sleep study, you’ll get the official diagnosis of OSA that will allow treatment to begin. If your problems are not related to sleep apnea, then further investigation will have to take place.

Begin Sleep Apnea Treatment in Midtown Manhattan

Please call Appolon Dental Group at (212) 557-8668 today to schedule your initial appointment or fill out our online contact form to ask questions or request an appointment.