Sleep Apnea Treatment in Manassas
Sleep apnea is a common problem, yet not enough people are aware of the sleep disorder, its symptoms, and the danger of not treating it. Up to 80 percent of people with the sleep disorder remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Sleep Apnea
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
If you have OSA, you stop breathing due to an obstruction while you are asleep. OSA refers to the obstruction that blocks your airway, such as the relaxed soft tissue in the back of your throat or your tongue, which can fall backwards and leave you deprived of oxygen five or more times each hour.
What Are the Warning Signs I Should Look for?
If you or a loved one has the following sleep apnea symptoms, consult your physician or a sleep doctor:
- Daytime fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Pounding headaches in the morning
- Making choking sounds while sleeping
- Irritability
- Difficulty paying attention
What Are Typical Sleep Apnea Causes?
OSA risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Being over 40
- Being male
- Having a thick tongue
- Using sedatives
- Alcohol use
While being overweight is a major risk factor, anyone can develop OSA.
Can I Select My Own Sleep Apnea Treatment?
If you are diagnosed with OSA and have had a sleep test to determine of you have mild, moderate or severe OSA, our dentist can provide you with an oral appliance for sleep apnea to keep you breathing without interruption. Oral appliances work best on mild to moderate OSA, which is up to 29 apnea events (where you stop breathing) each hour during sleep. The test also considers your oxygen saturation levels in the assessment.
A sleep doctor could also recommend a CPAP breathing machine. The machine keeps your airway open with continuous air, which you breathe in through your mask. CPAP therapy has a low compliance rate compared to oral appliance therapy. People say that they do not like wearing the mask while sleeping.
Overweight individuals with mild OSA can make lifestyle changes that their sleep doctor recommends and see if this helps to relieve their OSA symptoms.
Surgery is a last resort option.
Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in Manassas
What Is a Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
An oral appliance, which looks like a sports mouth guard, will push your lower jaw forward, which keeps your airway open. The oral appliance fits over your teeth perfectly, since it is made from a mold of your teeth. Your dentist will adjust the appliance until it is comfortable, and then he or she will explain how to use it. Call our office to learn more about sleep apnea in Manassas and to get more information about the oral appliances we offer.
What will a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard Cost in Manassas?
Your dental appliance cost depends on the appliance your dentist feels is best for you after an examination. There may be choices of brands as well. Call our office to schedule a consultation and our dentist will provide you with a cost estimate.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Effective?
Oral appliances are effective for mild to moderate OSA. Our qualified dentist oversees your oral appliance therapy fitting and adjustments for comfort, which may take several months. You may see a dramatic difference in your sleep quality the first night. After your second sleep assessment, you and your dentist will judge the appliance's effectiveness.
Will Dental Insurance Cover a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece?
Typically, medical insurance covers the mouthpiece since OSA is a serious medical condition. Coverage will vary; check your policy or call your medical insurance provider for details.
