Sleep Apnea Treatment – Plattsburgh, NY
Start Getting the Sleep You Need
When inadequate rest becomes the normal day-to-day reality, it can have a negative impact on your physical, mental, and behavioral well-being. Whether it is moodiness, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, or even high blood pressure, the effects of poor sleep can be detrimental. This is why Dr. Gerner and our Plattsburgh team offer dental sleep apnea treatment and will work with your medical insurance to help improve symptoms so you can start getting the rejuvenating sleep you need. If you believe you could benefit from this service, call our dental office today.
Why Choose True North Dental Group for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Dentist with Extensive Training in Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Custom Oral Appliances Designed for Each Patient
- Flexible Financing Available with CareCredit
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing (or episodes of reduced breathing) throughout the night.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when an obstruction forms inside the airway as a result of collapsing throat muscles. These tissues block the free flow of air. Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain does not send proper breathing signals to the rest of the body. Mixed or combined sleep apnea has features of both OSA and CSA.
Some common symptoms of OSA include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Choking or gasping for air throughout the night
- Morning headaches and sore throats
- Moodiness
- Forgetfulness
- Drowsy driving
- Mouth breathing
- Dry mouth
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
On the surface, sleep apnea might not seem like a big deal. The truth is, though, that it has the potential to significantly affect your health and daily quality of life in numerous ways:
- Untreated OSA is associated with a heightened risk of multiple health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and dementia.
- Perpetually not getting enough rest can make you more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Your relationships with your loved ones may suffer as a result.
- Sleep deprivation makes it more difficult to concentrate and slows down your reaction times. You are more vulnerable to drowsy driving and more likely to be involved in a car accident.
At-Home Sleep Testing
At True North Dental, we can refer you to a telemedicine sleep physician who can get you set up with a sleep test. The test is easy to use, and the physician will receive the results wirelessly. These test results can then be used to determine if treatment is necessary.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
There are different sleep apnea treatment options available, one of which is a CPAP machine. However, its bulkiness is just one of the reasons why many patients struggle with it. Consisting of a machine as well as various cords and tubes, patients wear either a nasal mask or one that fits over both the mouth and nose. It can be uncomfortable, causing many individuals to take it off and forgo treatment altogether.
Fortunately, there is an alternative solution that is proven effective and much more comfortable than a CPAP. Working with a dentist like Dr. Gerner, patients can expect to receive a portable, user-friendly device that is easy to wear, comfortable, and requires no additional attachments.
At True North Dental Group, we rely on oral appliances to help our patients get the sleep they need, as they are created to shift the jaw forward slightly so that there is no cause for tissue collapse during asleep. This leaves the airway open, allowing air to flow freely.
Understanding the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
The last thing we want is for you to lose sleep over what you’re going to pay for your treatment for us. For that reason, we aim to make our care affordable for all of our patients, and to be as transparent as possible about the financial process.
We’ll be sure to give you a complete estimate for the cost of your treatment when we see you. Before we meet, here’s what you should know about price of dealing with sleep apnea.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dental sleep appliances are actually covered under most medical insurance plans, not dental insurance. The exact amount of coverage available will depend on several factors, including your individual policy, its deductibles, and the network allowances. If this sounds a little confusing, don't worry! Our dedicated sleep team at True North goes above and beyond to help each patient receive maximum reimbursement from their coverage so that they can focus on simply sleeping better.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment
We can only really tell you what your sleep apnea treatment is going to cost once we actually understand your unique circumstances. This is because what you pay will vary based on several factors, many of which it can be hard to know without meeting you.
There are two main variables to consider. The first is the matter of your medical insurance and how much of the price of your oral appliance they’re going to pay for. With pre-authorization, most patients will be well aware of this number before they begin treatment.
The other is the details of the oral appliance that you’re getting. No two are exactly the same, and variables in the nature of your treatment may influence what you wind up paying.
Treat Your Sleep Apnea Now to Improve Your Health
If you’ve yet to begin the process of diagnosing and treating your sleep apnea, you might wonder whether it’s even worth it to go through all this trouble. You should know that dealing with this condition will make a massive impact on how you feel, and on your overall wellness.
Sleep apnea is associated with higher blood pressure and a greater risk of cardiovascular illness, as well as increased rates of diabetes. It also deeply affects patients moods; people with untreated sleep apnea have a greater chance of developing depression than those without the condition. Even if your mental health isn’t affected, chronic sleeplessness could impair your ability to think clearly.
The work you do to treat your sleep apnea isn’t wasted at all—it’s all worth it to finally get a good night’s sleep!
Making Sleep Apnea Treatment More Affordable
Even if you don’t have insurance, or if yours doesn’t cover sleep apnea treatment, we want the care that you get from us to be affordable. For that reason, we aim to offer patients services that can make their care from us fit their budget.
We frequently work with CareCredit, which is a health and wellness financing firm. Patients who qualify based on a credit check will be able to split up the cost of their services across several months, often with little-to-no additional interest.
If you’re interested in learning more about what you’ll pay for sleep apnea treatment, make an appointment for a consultation with us today!
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Does Everyone Who Snores Have Sleep Apnea?
Loud, chronic snoring is often a telltale sign of sleep apnea, but not always. Everyone snores occasionally, especially when dealing with nasal congestion. However, if you or a loved one snores often, it isn’t anything to ignore. Your physician can confirm or rule out sleep apnea. No matter the diagnosis, we can improve snoring with an oral appliance.
Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Your medical insurance will be used for diagnosing sleep apnea, including your sleep study and any other testing. A CPAP is covered by medical insurance to lower the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket. If you prefer an oral appliance, you’ll visit a dentist because they are specialists in oral anatomy, including the upper airway. Although you’ll need a dentist, your medical insurance will be billed for the oral appliance. In some situations, your dental insurance will also be used. Don’t worry, we will work on your behalf with your insurance companies, so you have one less thing to worry about.
Can I Use an Oral Appliance If I Grind My Teeth?
If you suffer from bruxism, an oral appliance can be a great solution for both sleep apnea and teeth grinding. It will position your jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstructions while providing a protective barrier between your upper and lower arches. You can sleep better and protect your teeth from damage with an oral appliance.
Will My Sleep Apnea Go Away If I Lose Weight?
Obesity is a contributing factor to sleep apnea. Losing weight can reduce pressure on your upper airway and decrease your neck circumference. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s important to comply with your treatment plan while shedding unwanted weight. As you reach a healthy weight, your sleep apnea may improve or be resolved.
How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?
The answer depends on your treatment method. It can take a week or two to see any improvement when using a CPAP machine, while you can notice a difference the same night as wearing an oral appliance. Your symptoms will improve as each day passes, so you can sleep soundly with no breathing disruptions. As your symptoms decrease, it’s important to continue using your oral appliance or CPAP.
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Hear It from Our Patients
Friendly staff and very knowledgeable of sleep apnea.
- Cheri L
I had a great experience with my dental hygienist helping me to get screened for sleep apnea, which I ended up having! She is a true professional with the interest of her patients in the forefront of her thoughts!
- Richard Z
I was referred to Dr. Gerner for a device to help my sleep apnea. The office was calm, beautiful and clean. Everyone was extremely welcoming from the moment I walked in. Dr. Gerner was friendly and compassionate while he explained everything in easy to understand terms. You can tell everyone there takes pride in what they are doing. I was so impressed that I decided to switch to True North for all of my dental needs, even though they aren’t in my insurance network; the great care standard they prescribe to is well worth it.
- Megan L
I have had sleep apnea for years. The dental appliance was used for the first time last night. Works FANTASTIC! Dr. Gerner has a great sense of humor. Everyone is wonderful to work with. All the equipment is state of the art. You get what you pay for. Probably will save money in the long run. Worth it!
- David B
Dr. Gerner arrived on time and immediately listened to my experience of 15+ years using an oral appliance and my concerns. He provided information, feedback and an interim solution within minutes. I'm impressed with the future-forward treatment plan that involves regular follow-up to assure maximum effectiveness. I left my visit with confidence that this practice takes care of it's patients.
- Kent E
I see Dr. Gerner for my sleep apnea appliance. He is always very helpful and accommodating. He is thorough in his explanations and has a gentle personality. The staff at True North Dental are always helpful and pleasant. I highly recommend them.
- Bunny E