FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If your parents suffer from sleep apnea, your risk increases by 50 percent. While genetics play a role, other factors like a narrowed airway, excess weight, nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, and smoking can contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, Dr. Delaune provides a range of treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote restful sleep.
Yes, untreated sleep apnea can pose serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Swift intervention is crucial after diagnosis. Dr. Delaune offers effective treatments to address sleep apnea, ensuring you can enjoy a peaceful night's sleep while safeguarding your overall health.
Complementing CPAP use or oral appliance therapy with lifestyle changes can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Natural remedies include weight loss, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco use, and positional therapy. Dr. Delaune advocates a holistic approach, tailoring treatments to your unique needs for comprehensive and lasting relief.
Take control of your sleep health and explore effective solutions with Dr. Delaune. Contact us today 504 354-9880 to schedule a consultation and embark on the journey to better sleep and improved well-being.
Snoring is commonly associated with sleep apnea, but it doesn't always signify the presence of this sleep disorder.
However, snoring can be an indicator of potential airway obstruction, especially if the person exhibits certain lifestyle factors that make them more susceptible to sleep apnea. The good news is that the treatment for both snoring and sleep apnea is quite similar. By utilizing a customized mouth appliance, it's possible to widen the airway's diameter, effectively preventing episodes of snoring and apnea. These oral devices are comfortable and user-friendly.
If you’re concerned about snoring or suspect you might have sleep apnea, consider scheduling a consultation with The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans. We can send you home with Home Sleep Test device you can use in the comfort of your own bed. We will have those test results interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Physician. We can then offer various treatments and provide you with the most suitable Oral Sleep Appliance for your particular needs to help your sleep apnea.
While snoring is commonly linked to sleep apnea, it is not always a definitive symptom. The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans can provide you with a Home Sleep Tests (HST) that you can use in the comfort of your own home to test for apnea episodes during sleep. After using the device for a night, you will return it to us and we will have a Board Certified Sleep Physician review the results and diagnose if you have sleep apnea or not. Whether the snoring is apnea related or just an annoying occurrence, The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans can offer you some oral appliance options that can help.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can develop in anyone, regardless of age or gender, and it can be caused by various factors. The most common risk factors include:
- Age: OSA is more common in individuals over the age of 40.
- Neck Size: Having a large neck, typically over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women, is a risk factor.
- Weight: Approximately half of OSA sufferers are overweight.
- Gender: OSA is more prevalent in men than in women.
- Tongue and Jaw: Having a large tongue or a small jaw can contribute to OSA.
- Tonsils and Adenoids: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids, especially in children, can obstruct the airway.
- Substance Use: The use of alcohol or sedatives, which relax the muscles in the airway, can increase the risk of OSA.
- Nasal Obstruction: Conditions like a deviated septum or sinus and allergy problems can lead to nasal obstruction, potentially worsening OSA.
While CPAP is an effective treatment for sleep apnea, many people find the mask uncomfortable and the machine inconvenient and noisy. As a result, many users find it difficult or impossible to wear them. An oral appliance is a common CPAP substitute. This gadget is smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to use, and it can give equal treatment effects.
To ensure the effectiveness of your oral appliance, a follow-up sleep study will be conducted while you are using the device. The data collected will then be analyzed by a Board Certified Sleep Physician to discern the effectiveness of the oral sleep appliance you have been using.
Our experienced team will work with you and your insurance provider to discover if your policy covers the cost of oral sleep appliances. Though dental insurance often does not cover Oral Sleep Appliances, medical insurance plans often do, and our office will help with all those insurance questions. If coverage is unavailable, we offer payment options or payment plans that we can review with you to help you get the treatment you need.
Many of our sleep patients have found that investing in the treatment of their sleep apnea has been life changing and a worthwhile endeavor due to the improvement in their quality of life.
If you do not have insurance, we understand that seeking sleep apnea treatment can be a concern. The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans offers various payment options to make treatment more accessible. We can work with you to develop a financing plan that suits your budget. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to helping you access the care you need, even without insurance coverage. Don't hesitate to reach out to discuss your specific situation and explore the available options.
The time it takes to adapt to an oral appliance varies from person to person. Some individuals adjust quickly, while others may need a few weeks. It’s common to experience minor discomfort of changes in your bite during the initial adjustment period, but The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans will be monitoring this closely during treatment.
As for concerns about your teeth, properly fitted oral appliances should not harm your teeth. However, it's crucial to follow the care instructions provided by your dental specialist to maintain your oral health. Regular check-ups with The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans can help monitor your oral appliance's impact and ensure that it continues to be effective and comfortable. If you experience any persistent discomfort or issues, be sure to contact TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans for adjustment or alternative solutions.
Your well-being and comfort are our priorities in providing effective sleep apnea treatment.
They are made of highly durable hard acrylic and typically require replacement every 3-5 years, with more frequent replacement if you have a teeth grinding habit.
It is possible that your bite may change. The alignment of your teeth and the condition of your jawbone can impact tooth positioning. The use of a morning repositioning device can help minimize this effect.
Your bite is something The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans team will monitor very closely during your treatment so that problems do not occur.
Morning muscle soreness is the most prevalent adverse effect, but normally passes quickly. Dry mouth or excessive salivation may occur in some people when you first start using the appliance. There can be minor tooth movement or bite changes in some patients, but these are things that are closely monitored during treatment here at The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans.
While it's possible to obtain over-the-counter devices for sleep apnea treatment, it's important to note that these are not FDA approved. Improper placement of these devices may lead to unwanted side effects, such as jaw issues or excessive tooth movement.
When you purchase an appliance from The TMJ & Dental Sleep Solutions of New Orleans, it is made specifically for you, and you are monitored by sleep specialists during your entire treatment. Adjustments are made at your visits to make the appliance as effective as possible, and to also monitor for tooth movement or changes to your bite.