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DO YOU SNORE OR HAVE SLEEP APNEA??
ARE YOU STRUGGLING WITH YOUR CPAP?
WE CAN HELP!
D
r. Nicole Chenet, founder of the Sleep Apnea Dental Center of
Pittsburgh, has heard it all when it comes to what people think
they know about sleep apnea, especially the misconception
that being overweight is the main culprit behind this sleep-diminishing
condition. In reality, sleep apnea can affect anyone.
“It could happen to everyone. There is no size or shape it doesn’t affect,”
Dr. Chenet said. “People become susceptible because of anatomy and
genetics or how we develop as children. I’ve seen obstructive sleep
apnea in babies, kids, teens and adults, and the tremendous percentage
of people who have sleep apnea aren’t even aware that they have it.”
The invisibility of sleep apnea to the patient is part of why it’s not
immediately diagnosed. Unlike a headache that keeps you awake at
night, sleep apnea occurs while you’re already asleep, but interrupts
your body’s natural sleep cycle. Sufferers may experience snoring,
morning headaches, jaw pain, frequent nighttime urges to go to the
bathroom, multiple awakenings at night, and excessive tiredness where
they never feel fully rested. These symptoms, if left untreated, can lead
to more severe conditions such as depression and anxiety, uncontrolled
blood pressure and heart conditions.
“Sleep apnea patients feel like they’re falling asleep at the wheel.
They experience a bad midday slump, where they have no energy to
do anything else throughout the day,” Dr. Chenet said. Her fight against
sleep apnea began with her aunt having the condition and enduring
a fruitless surgery to correct the issue. Then, her dental patients
began inquiring more and more about the condition and Dr. Chenet
decided to pursue it full time. Today, she’s one of less than 250 dentists
in the country board certified by the American Academy of Dental
Sleep Medicine qualified to treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral
appliances. Because of these credentials, Dr. Chenet is one of the only
200 Commerce Dr. Suite 203
Moon Twp., PA 15108
490 E. North Ave Suite 309
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
32 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Mt. Lebanon
sleep dentists in the western Pennsylvania area that is in network with
medical insurances, and able to fabricate oral appliances to treat sleep
apnea.
Where most doctors will simply prescribe CPAP breathing
assistance machines to their patients, that approach can cause anxiety
and claustrophobia in some patients. Dr. Chenet’s approach is to assess
each patient’s mouth, noting the unique issues contained therein, and
helping patients by working with the natural physiology they were
born with to correct their apnea issues.
Diagnosis begins with a visit to the patient’s primary care provider
or sleep physician. There the physician can order a sleep study, which
can be performed in several locations throughout Pittsburgh, or even
in the home if necessary. Oxygen levels are monitored, and frequency
of sleep interruptions is recorded. Once a patient is diagnosed with
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, in many cases a customized oral appliance,
which is a covered benefit under medical insurance, can be fitted
that will open up the airways naturally and without the use of a CPAP
machine. Once corrected, patients can look forward to healthier, more
restful sleep and the overall increase in energy that a good night of rest
can provide.
For more information on the Sleep Apnea Dental Center of
Pittsburgh and to see all of the services offered, go to sadcpgh.com.
There are several offices conveniently located in and around Pittsburgh.
You can also call directly at 412.367.0367 to schedule a consultation.
The Sleep Apnea Dental Center of Pittsburgh participates in most major
insurance programs. The practice is honored to be a part of Allegheny
Health Network’s Center for Sleep Medicine as a dental sleep medicine
provider. Allegheny Health Network’s partnership is the first of its kind
in the country to have a comprehensive sleep medicine program.
135 Cumberland Rd. Suite 104
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
sadcpgh.com
412.367.0367