Sleep Apnea

Though it may sound strange, sleep apnea sufferers can get effective and lasting treatment for the blockage that cuts of their breathing at night by a dentist.

Although the usual treatment is CPAP, a pressurized air machine that forces a stream of air through the nose or mouth to keep air passageways open, sometimes all that is needed is a dental appliance that changes the position of the jaws while you sleep. We offer sleep apnea treatment at Leesburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by something that blocks air from freely flowing while a person sleeps. Often it is tissue at the back of the throat, or even the tongue. Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. The sound comes from the air rattling through the blockage. People who suffer from sleep apnea literally stop breathing many times during the night. When this happens to you, you will wake up to catch your breath and fall asleep again, usually without even realizing it. Typically, sleep apnea sufferers will wake up in the morning feeling groggy or with a headache.

Diagnosis

You must see a medical doctor for a sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, most doctors prescribe a machine like a CPAP or BiPAP. But many patients find these machines and their attached hoses and masks cumbersome, noisy, and inconvenient for traveling. Once you have been diagnosed, you can consult with Dr. Whitman to discuss the dental treatment alternatives.

Dental Treatment to Open Up the Airways

The alternative to traditional forced air machines is an oral appliance or splint. By being custom designed to fit your mouth, the splint will gently position your teeth and jaws for free air flow without blockage. Wearing this comfortable appliance every night can allow you to sleep through the night, stop snoring and wake up feeling refreshed.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Here are some questions that are commonly asked about sleep apnea and dental treatment for it.