Do you think you or someone you love might have obstructive sleep apnea? At the Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry in Alexandria, we can help.
Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Awakening suddenly
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Frequently being tired during the day
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Difficulty concentrating
Recurring lapses in breathing during sleep robs the brain of oxygen. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.
CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea. Many people have never heard of any other treatments.
Your Dentist Can Help
Oral appliance therapy (OAT) conducted by a dentist can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:
- As a first-line treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSA
- As a first-line treatment for individuals with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
- As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)
A custom-fit oral appliance allows patients to breath normally during the night. A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea must be made by an MD. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.
The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:
- More convenient
- More comfortable
- Portable
- Quiet
- Requires no electricity
- Easy to clean
- May allow wearer to talk and eat during use
If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea, an appliance can restore your health. The team at Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry encourages you to see an MD soon before your health is compromised. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call us to set up a consultation at Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry.
Contact Mt. Vernon Center For Dentistry:
703-360-5881
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 114
Alexandria, Virginia
22306
