Restorative Dentistry |3 min read

How Can Your Dentist in McLean VA Cure Your Sleep Apnea?

Cure your sleep apnea with a visit to your dentist in McLean VA

Dr. Kazerooni first met Carol seven years ago. She came to her dentist in McLean, VA for her yearly comprehensive dental exam. She admitted to feeling very tired during the day. Her husband complained about her snoring and had resorted to sleeping with earplugs. After just returning from a sleep disorder seminar, Dr. Kazerooni recommended a sleep test. Carol was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.

We are committed to improving the sleep and the health of our patients. Before we tell you our simple and convenient sleep apnea solutions, let’s discuss the basics.

What is sleep apnea?

“Apnea” literally means “without breath”. According to the American Sleep Association, it is a sleep breathing disorder that is characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep.

These pauses can happen hundreds of times during the night without a person knowing. As the brain is not getting enough oxygen it triggers the body to wake abruptly and gasp or snort. Sleep apnea is associated with snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Millions of American adults suffer from sleep apnea
Source

Sleep-disordered breathing is a serious health problem and should not be treated lightly. It can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated. Consider some shocking statistics:

  • People with sleep apnea are at twice the risk of having a traffic accident (source)
  • Nearly four times more likely to have a stroke (source)
  • People with severe, untreated sleep apnea die at a rate of more than three times that of those without apnea (source)

The good news is that treatment is available and it’s easily accessible on your next visit to your McLean VA dentist.

Sleep apnea solutions to end snoring

The solutions to sleep apnea are directly related to the causes. Many people with sleep disorders are likely to be overweight, smoke and drink excessively. So eliminating the harmful triggers can be your first step to better rest.

Although sleeping on your side or using a pillow to allow unobstructed airflow can help, an even more effective solution is a custom made, adjustable, oral appliance made by your dentist.

The custom made mouthpiece shifts the lower jaw forward, which opens up the airway allowing for greater airflow and reducing snoring. Also known as a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) the appliance is:

  • Comfortable
  • Easy to wear
  • Portable

How can your dentist in McLean VA help?

Patients suffering from sleep disorders may not need to go to a sleep center for follow-up. On your next comprehensive exam, Dr. Kazerooni can provide a device called ApneaLink. It is an easy-to-use sleep testing device you can take home before and after the appliance has been made.

ApneaLink provides valuable comprehensive diagnostics to accurately diagnose the extent of the problem, and recommend the necessary treatment. If your condition is severe, we will refer you to a specialist certified in treating sleep apnea for a more extensive diagnosis.

This video explains the entire home sleep testing process. Learn exactly how to set up the ApneaLink device once you get home and how to use it.

Start enjoying better sleep today

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can dramatically affect your overall health. It will only worsen with time.

Now is the time to schedule an appointment with your McLean VA dentist, Dr. Kazerooni, and join our many satisfied sleep apnea patients. Remember Carol? She is now more alert, less lethargic and has a lot of energy in the morning! And her husband was thrilled to be sleeping better too.

Wake up tomorrow feeling well rested and refreshed! Call us at (703) 827-0644.