Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, and When It’s Time to See a Doctor

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If you were to take a poll of most Americans outside of the medical community and ask them whether or not snoring was dangerous, most people would say no.

Other than the joking remarks (i.e. “It’s going to be dangerous for my husband if I slap him in the middle of the night!”), most people don’t view snoring as a serious medical issue.

While some snoring is harmless, it can also be a very real sign of an underlying medical condition: sleep apnea.

At Babylon Dental Care, we help sleep apnea sufferers get the needed treatment for a restful night’s sleep. If you want to treat your sleep apnea (without using a CPAP machine), contact us today to see what options are available to you. Dr. Oz recently wrote an article discussing the symptoms, dangers, and solutions for sleep apnea in efforts to help increase awareness. Read the full article here.


Why is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep apnea means that you stop breathing while you sleep. In fact, a person with undiagnosed sleep apnea can experience hundreds of brief episodes throughout the night when breathing temporarily stops.

During these episodes of apnea your brain and other parts of your body may not be getting the vital oxygen supply needed to function at an optimal level. This is why many people who suffer from sleep apnea report symptoms, such as:

  • Waking up during the night with shortness of breath.
  • Feeling tired or groggy throughout the day.
  • Difficulty staying awake while driving.
  • Feeling irritable for seemingly no reason.

And so on. If your body is not getting the sleep (and oxygen) it needs to rest and recover, the long-term effects on your health can be devastating.

However, before you can treat sleep apnea, you must first understand what kind of apnea you are suffering from by seeking medical attention. There are two distinct types of sleep apnea that we will discuss below.


What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

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Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of apnea and occurs when your airway is blocked during sleep, making it very difficult to maintain a normal breathing pattern throughout the night.

When this happens, the oxygen levels in your blood will drop, which acts as an alarm clock for your brain, waking you up suddenly to breathe.

This defense mechanism is great in the sense that it causes you to breathe, but by having to actively engage in breathing (as opposed to passively while sleeping) you cannot get the sleep you need to restore your mind and body to optimal health.

In effect, your body is constantly in a state of “low battery” because it isn’t able to charge appropriately. Unlike an electronic device, however, the solution is much more complicated than buying a new device or charger.

This cycle can repeat itself as much as 30 times per hour, yet many people don’t realize they are frequently awaking, and may even think they are getting a restful night’s sleep.


What is Central Sleep Apnea?

Central sleep apnea is much less common, yet can present many of the same symptoms. In the case of central sleep apnea, a more serious medical issue may be the underlying cause, such as heart failure or a stroke.

This type of sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not allow proper breathing while sleeping.

Regardless of which type of sleep apnea you have, it is important to contact us in order to schedule your sleep apnea test.


When is it Time to See a Sleep Apnea Doctor?

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If you snore so loudly to a point that either you wake yourself or your partner, it may be time to seek testing and treatment for sleep apnea. Also, if you find yourself choking or gasping for air during the night, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Dentists are often the preferred provider of sleep apnea treatment because they offer alternatives other than CPAP machine. While treating sleep apnea with CPAP is highly effective, it is also difficult for patients (many patients do not want to sleep with a hot, bulky mask all night).

On the other hand, an oral appliance from our Babylon, NY dental office can help alleviate sleep apnea and help you get a peaceful night’s sleep to wake up feeling rested and restored.

If you are searching for a new dentist on the South Shore of Long Island in or around the West Babylon or Patchogue areas, please give our practice nearest you a call today!

We have two locations (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay and Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza) and would love to meet you, and help solve your sleep apnea issues. If you have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but suspect you may be suffering from this condition, we provide fast, effective at-home testing procedures convenient for you (no overnight sleep study required). Give our office a call today to learn more.

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“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

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“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

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“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

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“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

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“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

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“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

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“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

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“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

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“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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“I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

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“Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

Angela P

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

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