Sleep Apnea TreatmentRockville, MD
Sleep apnea treatment can help patients wake up feeling fully refreshed and well-rested. You may benefit from a sleep apnea screening if you struggle with snoring while asleep. Although sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep-related disorders, a sleep dentist can help prevent it from interrupting sleep and causing other issues that affect health and wellness.
Sleep apnea treatment is available at The Sleep Apnea Center in Rockville and the surrounding area. Get the rest you deserve. Call us today at 301-279-2600 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially severe sleep disorder where patients experience intermittent breathing in their sleep, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and mixed sleep apnea syndrome (MAS). Each type can negatively impact the patient’s oxygen levels and cause lower-quality sleep.
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea and the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the patient's airway during sleep. Snoring is one of the most noticeable characteristics with this type of sleep apnea. Alternatively, CSA results from the brain’s muscle control system and the way breathing signals are sent to the throat and respiratory muscles. MAS, also called complex sleep apnea, refers to a case in which the patient has both OSA and CSA.
“Sleep apnea is a potentially severe sleep disorder where patients experience intermittent breathing in their sleep.”
Common Causes of Sleep Apnea
According to WebMD, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in adults is excess body weight. This is due to the fact that being overweight increases the chance of having extra soft tissue in the back of the throat. When the throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed during sleep, the soft tissue may block the airway.
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids and certain dental conditions can cause OSA in children. Less common causes include a tumor or growth in the airway and certain congenital abnormalities. Untreated OSA can lead to serious complications in patients of any age, ranging from accidents to cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, immediate treatment from a sleep dentist can protect one's health.
“When the throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed during sleep, the soft tissue may block the airway.”
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Typically, a partner, roommate, or housemate will notice the patient’s sleep apnea before the patient does since loud snoring is a common symptom of both central and obstructive sleep apnea. However, a patient can also consider their own sleep quality and how they feel when waking up. It is common for sleep apnea to cause night sweats, restlessness during sleep, and waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.
Upon waking in the morning, patients with sleep apnea often report dry mouth, sore throat, and headaches. Other effects of sleep apnea throughout the day include fatigue, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, depression, and crankiness.
“It is common for sleep apnea to cause night sweats, restlessness during sleep, and waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.”
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Anyone can develop sleep apnea. That said, like any health condition, there are factors that increase a patient’s risk of developing it. Several risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Size and positioning of the jaw, neck, tongue, and tonsils
- Consuming tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications
- Hormone conditions, such as hypothyroidism
- Nasal congestion
- Sleeping on one’s back
In addition, excess weight can narrow the airway anatomically, increasing the risk of sleep apnea. Patients are also more likely to develop OSA if they have one or more close relatives with the condition.
“In addition, excess weight can narrow the airway anatomically, increasing the risk of sleep apnea.”
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Milder cases of obstructive sleep apnea respond well to lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, healthy weight loss, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Additionally, patients will likely be advised to use a nasal congestant or allergy medication and avoid sleeping on their back.
For more severe sleep apnea, it may be recommended to use an upper airway stimulation (UAS) machine, which is connected to the chest so that it can analyze breathing patterns and send signals to keep the airways open. Another common option is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines deliver continuous oxygen flow via a mask during sleep. However, sleep dentists have alternatives for patients who find CPAPs uncomfortable to use.
A sleep dentist can create custom-fit oral appliances that keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw, providing a comfortable and portable option for many patients. Additionally, positional therapy and medication may be recommended as non-device alternatives to improve sleep quality. In the most severe cases, various surgeries can be performed to solve the root problem: the sinuses, jaw, tongue, throat, or soft tissues.
“A sleep dentist can create custom-fit oral appliances that keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw, providing a comfortable and portable option for many patients.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the common symptoms of sleep apnea?
Schedule a Visit Today
Sleep apnea consultations and treatments are available at our office. The The Sleep Apnea Center team looks forward to treating you and helping you get back to regular sleep. Call our Rockville office at 301-279-2600 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Q. How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
A. Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive sleep study. During the study, patients are monitored for breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain activity while they sleep. Home sleep apnea tests can also aid in the diagnostic process.
Q. Can mild sleep apnea go away on its own?
A. In many cases, mild sleep apnea requires some form of treatment to prevent symptoms from worsening. A sleep dentist can offer oral appliance therapy, which may be highly effective for patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea. It is best to consult a professional to determine the right approach.
Q. How can an oral appliance help with obstructive sleep apnea?
A. An oral appliance is a custom-made device the patient wears while asleep. It helps with obstructive sleep apnea by keeping the airway open and unobstructed by supporting the jaw in a forward position. This prevents the upper airway from collapsing and blocking the airway.
Q. When should you consider CPAP alternatives?
A. CPAP alternatives, such as oral appliance therapy, are often considered for patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or struggle with compliance. These alternatives can be especially effective for those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Q. How long does it take for sleep apnea treatment to work?
A. How soon a patient can expect to see treatment results varies based on the severity of the condition and the treatment method. For those using an oral appliance, it may take a few weeks to see the full effects as the device is fine-tuned for comfort and optimal positioning. Regular follow-ups with a sleep dentist ensure that the treatment plan is adjusted correctly to maximize benefits.
Definition of Sleep Apnea Terminology
- Sleep apnea.
- A sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and potential health complications.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- The most common type of sleep apnea, occurring when throat muscles relax and block the airway, often causing loud snoring.
- Oral appliance therapy.
- A sleep apnea treatment that uses a custom-fitted dental device to hold the jaw in a forward position and prevent airway collapse during sleep.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
- A machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open while asleep.
- Upper airway stimulation (UAS).
- A device that monitors breathing patterns and sends gentle signals to prevent airway collapse while sleeping.
Contact Us
The Sleep Apnea Center is located at
350 Fortune Terrace #101B
Rockville, MD
20854
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Welcome To The Sleep Apnea Center
Here at The Sleep Apnea Center, we take our role as a sleep dental office seriously. As healthcare professionals trained in the intersection of sleep quality and dental health, we understand that improving sleep can transform a patient's overall wellness. We offer effective treatments, like oral appliance therapy, to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea…