Sleep Apnea Treatment Annapolis
Stop Snoring & Start Getting the Rest You Need!
Sleep apnea is a common disorder; it afflicts millions of people! If you have been struggling to feel well-rested lately, our Annapolis team is ready to assist you. We offer oral appliance therapy that can help you stop snoring, improve your breathing during sleep, and lower your overall health risks. Continue reading below to learn more about sleep apnea treatment, or contact us directly to set up a consultation.
Why Choose Goodman Dental Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment?
- Advanced SomnoDent Oral Appliances from SomnoMed
- Effective Alternative to CPAP Machines
- Friendly, Caring, & Highly Skilled Dental Team
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. In obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the pauses are the result of loose tissues in the airway that block the flow of oxygen. In central sleep apnea (CSA), the pauses occur due to miscommunications between the brain and the rest of the body. Mixed (or combined) sleep apnea has characteristics of both CSA and OSA.
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea. It can cause symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, waking up with a sore throat or headache, mood swings, and more. It can affect anyone, but it most often affects obese individuals, men, seniors, and people with certain anatomical abnormalities in their upper airway.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
It can be easy to dismiss sleep apnea as a mere annoyance, but it actually poses some serious dangers! It can repeatedly lower your body’s oxygen levels, which stresses multiple systems. OSA is strongly associated with an increased risk of issues like heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, unwanted weight gain, and more.
Poor quality sleep can also affect your emotional health, leading to higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and a tendency toward social isolation. It can even heighten your chances of being involved in a vehicular collision or other types of accidents.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
A CPAP machine is the most commonly prescribed treatment for OSA. It uses pressurized air to prevent airway collapse and enable uninterrupted breathing. Sadly, while CPAP therapy is very effective, some people find it to be inconvenient and uncomfortable.
Oral appliance therapy is a popular alternative. Our team can provide you with a custom device that resembles a mouthguard. Its job is to gently reposition your lower jaw into a forward position, which can help to keep your airway open and promote high-quality sleep. Due to its convenient nature, oral appliance therapy has a higher compliance rate than CPAP.