Frequently Asked Sleep Apnea Dental Questions

What’s the difference between snoring and sleep apnea?

Snoring is the noise made when air forces its way through the nasal and oral passages. Snoring can be the result of a variety of factors, sleep apnea being one of them. Patients who snore may not have sleep apnea. Likewise, patients with sleep apnea may not snore. In most cases, however, snoring is caused when the throat is partially blocked. If access to the throat closes completely and cuts off airflow repeatedly, then sleep apnea results.

Are there different kinds of sleep apnea?

Yes. Sleep apnea can be classified as central sleep apnea(CSA)or obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). CSA  results from an imbalance of the brain’s respiratory centers. OSA , the most common kind, results when the airways are blocked by the tongue, tonsils, or excess throat tissue. Dr. Greenbaum treats patients with OSA.

How do I get a sleep apnea diagnosis?

The first step is to visit Dr. Greenbaum for a pre-screening. During this appointment, he’ll ask questions and examine your air passages. He’ll then refer you to a sleep center for a medical diagnosis – we can coordinate your insurance and help you get reimbursed. The sleep test typically occurs at the center, but on occasion may be completed in the comfort of your own home. Once you have a diagnosis, Dr. Greenbaum may prescribe an oral appliance.

What if I’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea?

If you’ve already received a sleep apnea diagnosis from a medical doctor, then Dr. Greenbaum can create your appliance for you. Simply visit our sleep apnea dental office for an exam, and we’ll get started!

Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?

Studies show that an oral appliance can be as effective – if not more effective – than a CPAP machine. This is partially because most patients cannot tolerate a CPAP machine and therefore discontinue treatment. Dr. Greenbaum takes measures to ensure your oral appliance works effectively. Your therapy will include a MediByte Junior analysis, in which Dr. Greenbaum gives you a portable unit to take home with you, so we can gauge the oral appliance’s effectiveness. Dr. Greenbaum makes adjustments and fine tunes the appliance for maximum effectiveness.

Will my insurance cover sleep apnea therapy?

In many cases, medical insurance policies partially cover the cost of an oral appliance. At Dr. Greenbaum’s sleep apnea dental office, we have insurance specialists who understand medical insurance and will work for you to receive the benefits you deserve.