Sleep Apnea Treatment in Woodbridge
If you have obstructive sleep apnea in Woodbridge, we offer oral appliance therapy that can virtually eliminate your daytime fatigue and improve your overall health.
Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea in Woodbridge?
When a person without sleep apnea sleeps, they wake up refreshed. When a person with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sleeps, their sleep is fragmented by bouts of waking up to breathe. If you have OSA, tissues in your throat obstruct your airway. After 10 seconds or more of not getting enough oxygen, your brain demands that you wake up and gasp for air. A night of waking up five or more times an hour because of oxygen deprivation is enough to make anyone feel exhausted the next day.
How Would I Know if I Had OSA?
Warning signs that you have OSA include:
- Loud snoring with long pauses between snores
- You wake up with a pounding headache
- You're exhausted
- You can't think clearly
- You involuntarily fall asleep during the day
If you or a loved one is experiencing these sleep apnea symptoms, speak to your primary care provider or a sleep doctor.
What Are the Risk Factors for Developing OSA?
Sleep apnea causes and risk factors include:
- Being male
- Having excess weight
- Being over 40
- Having a large neck size
- Smoking
- Using sedatives
- Having a thick tongue
Where Can I Find Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Woodbridge?
After you receive an OSA diagnosis, your sleep doctor will recommend a CPAP breathing machine or you can choose oral appliance therapy with one of our dentists. You can choose your own treatment because only you will know which one you are likely to use every night.
If you have mild OSA, you can lose weight and try repositioning therapy, which is using a special pillow that straps around your chest and waist to keep you from sleeping on your back.
There are surgical options with limited success rates if neither an oral appliance nor a CPAP machine relieves your OSA symptoms. Surgeries include reducing the size of your tongue, jaw repositioning and nasal surgery.
Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea
How Does a Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece Help My OSA Symptoms?
The mouthpiece moves your bottom jaw slightly forward and opens your bite slightly. This will keep your airway open. Since your tongue is attached to your bottom jaw, it can't fall backwards when you wear your oral appliance. You should have a restful sleep as you will have far fewer apnea events. Contact our dental office if you are considering an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Woodbridge.
What Does an Oral Appliance Cost?
The cost of an oral mouthpiece varies. There are different types of oral appliances; our dentist will decide which one is right for you based on your diagnosis and an examination of your mouth. Afterwards, our dentist can provide you with an estimated price.
What Does Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) Involve?
OAT involves a dentist helping you to select the right appliance to keep your airway open. As part of OAT, our dentist will make an impression of your teeth for your custom appliance. Once the dental lab returns your appliance, our dentist will show you how to use your sleep apnea mouth guard. He or she will make adjustments, if needed, to make the appliance more comfortable to wear.
Does Insurance Cover an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?
Your insurance usually covers your overnight sleep study and your oral appliance. Check your policy carefully; you may need to start with a referral from your primary care provider. Call our office if you have any questions about our submitting a claim to your insurance provider.
