Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when sleep positions relax tissues in the throat, obstructing the airway. Patients with sleep apnea can wake up multiple times, gasping for air at night. At Dupont Dental, we provide sleep apnea treatment for patients in Washington, DC.
Addressing sleep apnea can restore patient comfort and open the airway, making breathing easier and improving sleep. Moreover, we provide restorative dentistry treatments in our Washington, DC, office.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Other than pauses in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea patients can experience these symptoms:
- Snoring
- Falling asleep during the day
- Insomnia
- Waking up with a dry throat
- Changes in mood
- Morning headaches
- Dizziness when waking up
- A lack of energy during the day
There are also several sleep apnea risk factors, including excess weight, age, and gender. Patients who are male, over 40, or have excess weight may be more prone to sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea can also worsen heart problems, as periods of apnea minimize the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart. Patients with heart disease or who have experienced heart attacks or strokes are at an increased risk of these problems reoccurring due to sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Washington, DC
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the traditional treatment for patients with sleep apnea. These machines deliver oxygen through the airway, keeping it open so patients can breathe easier. However, CPAP machines are bulky and can be uncomfortable to wear, as they cover the face. CPAP machines are also not easy to move from room to room.
Dr. Banks works with sleep specialists to provide sleep apnea patients with oral appliances. Once a specialist diagnoses the patient with sleep apnea, Dr. Banks can examine the smile and airway to create the custom appliance.
Patients with mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea can benefit from an oral device. Sleep apnea oral appliances cover the upper and lower teeth and help open the airway by moving the lower jaw forward. Wearing an oral appliance during sleep can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms for patients who want to sleep without interruption.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Address symptoms of sleep apnea today with a custom oral appliance. Call Dupont Dental for comfortable care at (202) 946-4720, or request a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online.