Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. Our experienced dentist may recommend oral appliance therapy to help manage sleep apnea so you can get the rest you need to enjoy a healthy life. We invite you to call Inova Dental Clinic at 703-433-1400 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jafari and learn more about sleep apnea treatment in Sterling, Virginia.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, can be a serious health concern. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) arises from airway blockages, which can include the tongue rolling back or tissues collapsing in the airway. Addressing sleep apnea is vital as untreated cases can contribute to severe health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver complications.
For accurate diagnosis, consulting a sleep physician is crucial. If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as daytime drowsiness, mood changes, difficulty staying asleep, snoring, a dry or sore throat upon waking and frequent morning headaches, it’s recommended to discuss your condition with both a physician and our dentist.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
The treatment approach for sleep apnea depends on its severity. If you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our skilled dentist might suggest an oral appliance. This device is a type of custom-made mouthguard. It is designed to fit over your teeth perfectly and works by advancing the lower jaw slightly forward into a comfortable position. This slight forward position tightens the soft tissues and muscles of the upper airway and allows the tissues at the back of the throat to relax, stopping your tongue from rolling back, preventing obstructions, and helping you breathe easily. This gives you a safe, soundless, and restful sleep.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves an overnight sleep study or polysomnography, which records brain waves, blood oxygen level, heart rate, breathing patterns, and movement during sleep. A home sleep test may also be an option. Based on the results, a sleep specialist can determine if you have sleep apnea and its severity. Our dentist and team trained in sleep medicine can also screen for sleep apnea signs and symptoms and collaborate with sleep specialists for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?
Oral appliance therapy offers several benefits for treating sleep apnea, including ease of use, quietness, portability, and comfort, making it an attractive option for many patients. Unlike CPAP machines oral appliances are small, do not require electricity, and are easy to travel with. Many patients find them more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask and they are particularly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea or for patients who travel frequently.
How do I know if oral appliance therapy is right for me?
The best way to determine if oral appliance therapy is suitable for your sleep apnea is to consult with a dentist who specializes in sleep medicine. They can evaluate your condition, possibly in collaboration with a sleep specialist, to recommend the best treatment option. Oral appliance therapy is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who prefer it over CPAP therapy, cannot tolerate CPAP, or need a portable alternative for travel. Our dentist will consider your specific medical history, sleep apnea severity and lifestyle needs to make a recommendation.
Can children have sleep apnea?
Yes, children can also suffer from sleep apnea. Pediatric sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids and may manifest as restless sleep, snoring, breathing pauses, bedwetting or difficulty concentrating during the day.
Is sleep apnea hereditary?
There appears to be a genetic component to sleep apnea, as it tends to run in families. However, lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking also play a significant role.
What are the long-term effects of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications over time, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and worsening of ADHD symptoms.
Can losing weight cure sleep apnea?
Weight loss can significantly improve sleep apnea symptoms, especially in cases where excess weight is a contributing factor. However, it may not completely cure the condition and other treatments may still be necessary.
We encourage you to reach out to our office for more information about sleep apnea treatment and oral appliance therapy. We are committed to helping you enhance your health and wellbeing.