Personalized Solutions for Better Sleep, Better Health
Struggling to stay awake during the day? Wake up gasping at night? If you or someone you love snores loudly, feels tired even after a full night’s sleep, or has been told they stop breathing in the night, it may be more than just “bad sleep”—it could be sleep apnea.
At Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale, PA, Dr. TJ Ameredes and Dr. David Mascio provide sleep apnea treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique airway, symptoms, and health goals. Our dentist’s office near Pittsburgh focuses on safe, non-invasive solutions—including oral appliance therapy—that help you breathe better, sleep deeper, and reclaim your energy.
If you’re ready to wake up refreshed again, give our Oakdale dentists a call at (412) 788-6300 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Our Oakdale dental office blends expertise in general dentistry with modern sleep medicine to offer you a unique, holistic treatment experience. We have the best dentists near Pittsburgh that understand how dental structure and airway health intersect—and use that knowledge to help patients finally breathe and sleep easier.
We don’t just hand you a device and send you home. At Advanced Dentistry, you’ll receive:
A detailed health and medical history review
Coordination with sleep specialists and other providers, if needed
Fully customized oral appliances
Follow-up adjustments to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness
Ongoing support as your sleep and health improve
We know how hard it is to live with excessive daytime sleepiness. Let us help you get your energy—and your life—back.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last 10 seconds or longer and occur hundreds of times per night, causing oxygen levels to drop, sleep quality to suffer, and long-term health risks to rise.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by the upper airway collapsing or becoming blocked.
Central sleep apnea: Less common; happens when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex sleep apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central causes.
Without proper treatment, sleep apnea can lead to serious problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, mood disorders, memory issues, and even premature death. Looking for dentists near you with sleep apnea experience? Call (412) 788-6300 today.
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it, especially if they live alone. But certain signs and symptoms can signal a problem.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
Loud, chronic snoring
Choking, gasping, or pauses in breathing during sleep
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
Morning headaches
Trouble concentrating or mood changes
Depression or irritability
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
Nighttime awakenings or frequent urination
Decreased libido
If you or a loved one shows any of these symptoms, it’s time to take them seriously. Contact our dentist’s office near you to explore diagnostic options.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
There’s no one-size-fits-all cause. Instead, sleep apnea results from a mix of anatomical, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Our Oakdale dentists consider all of these when customizing your treatment plan.
Common risk factors include:
Obesity or excess weight around the neck
Large tonsils, tongue, or uvula
Small jaw or recessed lower jaw
Family history or certain medical conditions
Smoking or alcohol use before bed
Sedation from medications or drugs
Sleeping on your back
Aging (especially in adults over 40)
Understanding what’s causing your apnea helps us determine the best approach—whether that’s lifestyle changes, oral appliance therapy, or other treatments.
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life. Call Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale at (412) 788-6300 to explore safe, comfortable treatment options today.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health
The effects of untreated apnea go far beyond feeling tired. When your body is deprived of oxygen night after night, your heart rate, blood pressure, and brain function all take a hit.
Over time, sleep apnea can contribute to:
High blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack or stroke
Chronic fatigue and slowed reaction times
Depression, anxiety, and mood instability
Memory problems and poor concentration
Sexual dysfunction
Obesity or difficulty losing weight
Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Plus, many patients with moderate or severe sleep apnea experience microsleep—unintended episodes of sleep during the day, even while driving. Your sleep is the foundation of your health. Treating apnea means protecting your brain, heart, and overall well-being.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
If you’re showing symptoms, the first step is to confirm whether you have sleep apnea and what type.
Our dental practice in Oakdale may work with your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist to arrange a sleep study (polysomnography). This can often be done at home with a portable device or in a lab for more in-depth monitoring.
A sleep study will monitor:
Brain waves and muscle activity
Breathing patterns and effort
Blood oxygen levels
Heart rhythm and airway function
Once diagnosed, we’ll help you navigate your treatment options and customize a plan that fits your health, lifestyle, and preferences.
Struggling with snoring or poor sleep? Call Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale at (412) 788-6300 to schedule your custom sleep apnea consultation today.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Oakdale
At Advanced Dentistry, we take a non-surgical, patient-first approach to sleep apnea treatment. While CPAP machines are still commonly prescribed, many patients struggle with compliance or comfort.
That’s why we offer custom-fit oral appliance therapy—a proven alternative to bulky CPAP masks.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances are small, comfortable mouthguards worn at night. They gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open and prevent breathing blockages.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
Quiet, portable, and easy to travel with
No mask, hose, or electricity required
Covered by many insurance providers
Designed for mild sleep apnea and some moderate sleep apnea cases
Helps reduce snoring and improve oxygen flow
These devices are custom-made for your mouth, not one-size-fits-all. They’re ideal for patients who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine or want a more discreet treatment option.
Lifestyle and Supportive Treatments
In addition to oral appliances, our Oakdale dental office supports other methods to improve your airway and restore restful sleep.
These may include:
Weight loss for overweight patients
Increased physical activity
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
Avoiding sedatives or muscle relaxants before bed
Positional therapy (training yourself to avoid back sleeping)
Addressing nasal issues like congestion or allergies
In rare cases where other methods aren’t effective, surgical options such as bariatric surgery or jaw advancement may be explored with a medical team.
Who Should Consider Oral Appliance Therapy?
You may be a great candidate for oral appliance therapy if you:
Have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea
Struggle to use or tolerate a CPAP machine
Want a non-invasive, quiet alternative to CPAP
Experience side effects from apnea, like mood swings or brain fog
Snore loudly and wake frequently at night
Want better sleep without bulky equipment
Call (412) 788-6300 to schedule your consultation and find out if this could work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, or wake up gasping at night, you may have sleep apnea. A sleep study is required for diagnosis.
Yes—especially for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Oral appliances can reduce snoring, improve oxygen flow, and help many patients avoid or replace CPAP machines.
Untreated apnea increases your risk for high blood pressure, stroke, depression, obesity, and other serious conditions. It also leads to chronic fatigue and poor quality of life.
In many cases, yes. Most insurance providers cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed sleep apnea. We’ll work with you to explore your benefits and coverage options.
Get Back to Better Sleep—With Help From Dentists Near You
Sleep apnea can steal your energy, your health, and your joy. But it doesn’t have to. With the right treatment plan, you can breathe deeply, sleep soundly, and finally feel like yourself again.
Advanced Dentistry in Oakdale, PA, offers custom-fit oral appliances and personalized care for patients struggling with apnea symptoms. Whether you’re looking for a CPAP alternative or need help navigating diagnosis, we’re here to guide you toward better sleep and brighter days.
Call (412) 788-6300 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward restful nights and healthier mornings.