Sleep Apnea Treatment in Shenandoah Valley, VA

What is Sleep Apnea?

It is a disorder where your breathing is obstructed when you are sleeping. While you will wake up to begin breathing again, your sleep is interrupted multiple times every night, preventing you from getting the restful sleep you need. Most people don’t realize these incidents occur unless the signs are severe or someone else sleeping in the same room notices the symptoms.

Untreated OSA can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure or having a heart attack or stroke. You are also at risk for having an auto accident if you fall asleep at the wheel of your car.

What Symptoms of OSA Should I Look For?

Typical sleep apnea symptoms include:

1. Excessive daytime sleepiness and falling asleep unexpectedly
2. Trouble concentrating during the day or trouble remembering things
3. Waking up with a headache or sore throat
4. Load snoring, but everyone who snores does not necessarily have OSA
5. Waking up gasping for air
6. You make choking noises while sleeping

You may not notice all of these signs of sleep apnea in Shenandoah Valley, VA, but if someone you live with mentions them to you, take them seriously.

What Causes OSA?

Sleep apnea causes generally include:

1. Obesity
2. Having a large neck size
3. Having large tonsils or adenoids
4. Smoking
5. Using sedatives or drinking alcohol to get to sleep
6. A family history of OSA
7. Being male. Men typically have different fat distribution, typically heavier men have thicker necks than women who are overweight.
8. Going through menopause. The hormonal changes may make the throat muscles relax more than normal.

These things increase you risk of developing OSA. If you have any of these risk factors and you or someone notices the signs of OSA, see your medical doctor. OSA is a serious condition that can affect your overall health as your body isn't getting the oxygen it needs at night.

How Do Medical and Dental Professionals Treat OSA?

The most conservative treatment for mild OSA is lifestyle changes. These include losing weight and special pillows to prevent a person from sleeping on their back. Some individuals try a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine involves wearing a nose or nose and mouth mask while sleeping to keep the airway open. Compliance isn’t always high with these devices as some people find them uncomfortable or inconvenient. Another option is an oral appliance available from your dentist.

What Are Oral Appliances for OSA Treatment?

A sleep apnea mouth guard helps keep a person’s airway open at night by repositioning the jaw. They can resemble a retainer or sports mouth guard. Ask our dentist if they can help you with your sleep apnea in Shenandoah Valley, VA.

How Much Will a Mouthpiece for OSA Cost?

You will have to talk to your dentist about what an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Shenandoah Valley, VA will cost. These are custom appliances that vary in cost. Please contact us for more information about the cost of an OSA mouth piece.

Will Insurance Cover OAT Appliances?

Your medical insurance may cover the cost of a sleep apnea mouthpiece even though your dentist provides it. Sleep apnea is a medical condition, so check your policy carefully.

What Are the Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

Some of the advantages of oral appliance therapy include:

1. The appliance is discreet if you are visiting friends or family.
2. Oral appliances are portable. You can put the mouth piece in your bag or pocket if you’re not sure if you’ll make it home to sleep.
3. There is no electricity needed. Oral appliances are ideal for camping trips or any trips where electricity, or the right voltage, isn’t guaranteed.
4. Oral appliances for OSA are silent, allowing you and your partner to get a better night’s sleep.
5. Oral appliances are easier to keep clean as there are no hoses and masks.

Treating your sleep apnea in Shenandoah Valley, VA with an oral appliance can make you feel like a whole new person. Talk to your dentist today if you’re interested in a diagnosis or oral appliance.