Am I a Candidate for a Sleep Apnea Appliance?
Many people suffering from sleep apnea do not realize that this condition can be treated by a dentist. Dentists can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders and conditions, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, providing comprehensive care for patients with sleep-related issues.
OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, is typically caused by the relaxation and collapse of throat tissues during sleep, which can block the airway and disturb normal sleep patterns. This blocking of airflow leads to interrupted breathing, which disturbs your rest and can cause you to wake up multiple times throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious reality that should not be ignored, as untreated sleep disorders can have significant health consequences.
If you hate your CPAP machine and want to learn more about other options for sleep apnea treatment, you have arrived at the right place. The basic idea behind oral appliances and alternative therapies is to keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or supporting the tissues, helping you achieve better rest and wake up ready for the day.
The process of determining if you are a candidate for sleep apnea treatment involves a comprehensive evaluation, which may be performed at one of our offices in Rockville, Bethesda, or at our on-site sleep labs. Our mission is to provide high-quality care to patients in Rockville, Bethesda, and surrounding areas, with MD-certified specialists dedicated to your well-being. Patient reviews are available to help you understand the quality of care we provide. Read on to learn if you could be a candidate for sleep apnea treatment from your dentist in Rockville.
Many Levels of Sleep Apnea Treatment
There are many levels of treatment your sleep apnea dentist can offer, depending on the severity of your OSA. If you have a mild form of sleep apnea, you could be a candidate for sleep apnea treatment like an oral appliance. This would be a mouth guard that is specially designed to keep all obstructions, including relaxed throat tissues, from blocking your airway, which often disturbs normal sleep.
There are other oral appliances that are designed to enlarge your airway to allow for more air flow, and to prevent the upper airway from collapsing. The collapse or relaxation of tissues in the throat can lead to blocking of airflow, which is a common problem for many sufferers of sleep apnea. This device works by pulling the tongue forward to open up the airway behind the tongue.
Am I a Candidate for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Before deciding if you are a good candidate for sleep apnea treatment, you should first be evaluated by a certified sleep specialist in a sleep disorder center. The process of diagnosing sleep disorders typically involves performing overnight sleep studies at a dedicated site, where specialists can accurately assess your condition. Overnight studies help us determine how severe the problem may be, and what type of sleep apnea treatment may be best for you. After your evaluation, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and treatment options with our team.
Some insurance providers require a referral from a dentist to a sleep disorder center; we can provide this for you and work with your medical insurance if your oral appliance is covered there rather than by your dental insurance provider.
Take action today by scheduling a consultation to begin your journey toward better sleep and improved health.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that disrupts your sleep cycle by causing repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These pauses in breathing can lead to restless nights and leave you feeling tired and unrefreshed during the day. One of the most noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea is loud, persistent snoring, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds as your body tries to breathe. Many patients also experience waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, and some may find themselves waking up suddenly, short of breath.
Other symptoms of sleep apnea can include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and feeling excessively sleepy during the day. These issues can make it hard to focus at work or enjoy daily activities, and they often go hand-in-hand with poor quality sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke, making early detection and treatment essential for your long-term health.
The root cause of sleep apnea is often a blocked airway, which can be due to factors like obesity, a large tongue or tonsils, or a naturally narrow airway. To determine if you have sleep apnea, a sleep medicine specialist may recommend a sleep study, which can be performed in a lab or sometimes at home. This study helps diagnose the condition and guides your care team in choosing the most effective sleep apnea treatment for you.
While a CPAP machine is a common treatment that keeps your airway open with a steady flow of air, some patients are unable to tolerate this device. In these cases, alternative treatments such as an oral appliance—designed to reposition the jaw and tongue—can provide a more comfortable solution for better sleep.
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Scheduling a consultation with a sleep medicine specialist in Maryland is the first step toward a healthier, more restful life. With the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing support, you can overcome sleep apnea and enjoy the benefits of better sleep and improved overall health.
Learn More from Your Dentist in Rockville
Learn if you could be a candidate for sleep apnea treatment by calling our office in Rockville at 301-424-2030, or contact us on our contact page.
