Sleep Apnea Treatment – Annandale, VA
Breathe Better & Rest Easy
Sleep-related health concerns can often be addressed with the use of an oral appliance. Dr. Salari offers oral appliance therapy for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who are intolerant of the CPAP machine. If you or a loved one suffers from poor sleep, snoring, or any of the common signs of a sleep disorder it is important to seek a diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Prolonged sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing can lead to other health concerns including an increased risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to learn more about sleep apnea treatment at our Annandale, VA dental office.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Annandale
Dr. Salari takes a whole health approach to your dental care in our dental office. She screens for common oral health-related concerns and takes the time to get to know you as an individual. Visiting with us for routine dental care provides the opportunity to discuss your concerns and any health problems impacting your smile and your quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are concerned that you may have a sleep disorder, talk to our dental care team for advice and guidance. It is also important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, which can include:
- Loud snoring or gasping for air during sleep
- Feeling tired or groggy after waking, even after a “full night of sleep”
- Dry mouth in the morning
- Increased difficulty concentrating during the day
- Irritability and increasing moodiness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr. Salari for an exam and diagnostics to assess your airway and jaw function. We may recommend an outside sleep study with a local specialist to determine the type of sleep apnea you may have and the severity of your symptoms. The earlier you seek treatment with a sleep problem, the more likely it can be resolved without impacting your overall health and wellness.
In most cases, sleep apnea is caused by a collapsing of the soft tissue at the back of the throat into the airway. There are several risk factors for this with the most common being obesity and a larger neck circumference. Dr. Salari provides oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea to enable your jaw to rest in a natural position and the airway to remain open. Oral appliance therapy is considered effective for mild to moderate cases and is easily tolerated by most patients.
Sleep Apnea Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or have been told that you snore, a sleep study is often the best way to diagnose sleep apnea.
What is a sleep appliance?
Oral appliances for use in treating sleep apnea are fitted much like a sports mouthguard. They are custom designed and fitted to your jaw and bite so that they can facilitate natural breathing and an open airway. They are comfortable and convenient and most patients are able to use them nightly without discomfort. Oral appliances for sleep apnea are also easy to travel with so that you can maintain your treatment when away from home.
What happens if sleep apnea is not treated?
When left untreated, sleep apnea has proven to affect physical health due to the impact that poor sleep can have on the body and quality of life. It can increase the risk for hypertension, stroke, and heart attack in patients who are also overweight or obese. There are also other underlying health concerns and lifestyle habits that can be the cause of sleep apnea. Identifying the cause of your sleep problem will improve your health and wellness.