Sleep apnea treatment in College Park

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people. It occurs when your airways constrict during sleep and cause you to wake up or gasp for breath. This constant waking for breath means throughout the night you don’t get enough sleep or enough oxygen. During your waking hours, your throat muscles are under tension so they keep your airway open and you can breathe properly. However, when you’re asleep, your muscles relax and your trachea constricts so that you receive less oxygen to your system. When the constriction is severe, then your body perceives that you’re suffocating and spasms so that you awaken. This is the cause of sleep deprivation and the constricted trachea is the cause of inadequate oxygenation to your body.

What Are Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

There are several symptoms of this disorder that may be mistaken for other issues such as sinusitis or the flu. However, if you experience some or all of the following, then make an appointment in our College Park office today. Common symptoms include:

• Gasping or choking when you’re asleep
• A headache when you awaken
• Sleepiness during waking hours
• Very loud or frequent snoring
• Intermittent breathing when you sleep
• Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth in the morning

If you consistently experience any or all of these symptoms, then call us and we can help restore your sleep.

What Are Some of the Sleep Apnea Causes?

Although anyone can develop this disorder at any age, there are factors that make it more likely, such as:

• Gender, it mostly affects males
• Age, mostly those who are over 40 years old are affected
• Genetic predisposition
• Being overweight
• Having a neck that’s greater than 16 inches

If these conditions apply to you, then call our College Park office for an appointment to determine if you have a sleep disorder. We can help you regain your good health and a good night’s sleep, so make an appointment today.

What Types of Sleep Apnea Treatments Are Available?

The type of treatment you receive will depend on the degree of the disorder that you have. For mild sleep disorders, simple lifestyle changes such as weight loss and side sleeping may correct the problem. If these corrections don't help, then an oral appliance for sleep apnea may be helpful. These appliances are similar to a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, and they maintain the tongue and jaw in proper alignment when you’re sleeping. They’re worn only at night, not during the day. If an appliance isn’t effective, then you may need surgery, but that’s used only as a last resort. If you have this sleep disorder and live in the College Park area, then call our office for an appointment.

What Type of Appliance Is Used for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

A sleep apnea mouthpiece will maintain the proper alignment of your jaw and tongue while you sleep so that your airway doesn’t become restricted. It will also minimize or eliminate the other symptoms that can occur when you have a sleep disorder. It’s similar to a sports mouthpiece and it’s only worn at night. If you would like to be fitted for a sleep apnea mouth guard, then call us today and we’ll schedule an appointment for you.

What’s the Cost of an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea in College Park?

Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices that are unique to you, so your cost will be unique to you. Most insurance companies will pay for some, most, or all of the cost of your oral appliance, but your plan provider is the best source of information for your benefits. For more information that’s specific to your case, then call our College Park office and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions. Factors that will influence your final cost include the type of appliance you select, any medical insurance benefits you have, and any dental insurance benefits you have.

Are There Any Benefits to Using an Oral Appliance?

Oral appliance therapy, or OAT, can help to restore your quality of life and improve your sleep quality. OAT is convenient, non-invasive, portable, easy to use and care for, and it can have an immediate impact on your sleep quality. If you’re interested in learning more about OAT, then call our office today and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Will My Insurance Cover Oral Appliance Therapy?

Many insurance plans cover oral appliance therapy, but your plan provider will have the most accurate data on your coverage, so call them and then call us. If you have problems or need clarification, we’ll be happy to help you.

Sleep disorders are serious, so they shouldn’t be ignored. When you are habitually sleep-deprived, it can adversely affect your physical and emotional health, your relationships can suffer, and you can jeopardize your safety and that of others without being aware of it. If you have any of the above symptoms, then call our College Park office and let us schedule an appointment for you. We can help you regain your quality of life and your quality of sleep, so call College Park Dental at (301) 238-7083 for an appointment. We’re available in College Park to treat sleep disorders and we would be delighted to help you, so don’t delay in making the call.