Are you constantly being disrupted by loud snoring? Do you wake up with headaches? Do you wake up gasping for air?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have developed obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a medical condition that causes patients to repeatedly stop breathing during their sleep cycle. When obstructive sleep apnea occurs, the muscles in the back of your mouth and throat collapse, blocking your airway. In advanced cases, you may stop breathing several times throughout the night.
When you are not properly breathing, the main organs are not receiving the oxygen they need to function properly. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attacks. Treating obstructive sleep apnea can restore your quality of sleep, improve your health, and reduce uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, schedule an appointment at our Annapolis dentist office with Dr. Scott Finlay or Dr. Lim.
Common Risk Factor For Sleep Apnea
- Men
- Older Adults
- Smokers
- Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
- Sedative Use
- People Who are Overweight or Obese
Treatment For Sleep Apnea in Maryland
Depending on the cause of sleep apnea, Dr. Finlay may suggest lifestyle changes to help alleviate your symptoms. For instance, losing weight or quitting smoking can improve symptoms of OSA and help maintain optimal oral and overall health. In advanced cases of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Finlay may recommend advanced treatment.
For patients with sleep apnea and excessive snoring, Dr. Finlay offers custom-designed oral appliance therapy. During your visit, Dr. Finlay will take molds of your mouth and create a custom-designed oral appliance. The goal of a custom oral appliance is to relax the jaw and tongue, therefore limiting the chance of collapsing. With a custom oral sleep appliance can help patients restore their quality of sleep and eliminate symptoms of sleep apnea.
If you believe that you or your partner has developed Obstructive Sleep Apnea, contact our Annapolis dentist office to schedule your consultation.