Sleep Apnea Treatment Harrisonburg, VA

Do You Have Trouble Sleeping or Snore Loudly at Night? You May Be One of 20 Million Americans Suffering from Sleep Apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common, but potentially serious condition in which your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night – sometimes as often as 30 times an hour! This disorder often leads to loud snoring, difficulty sleeping, and drowsiness throughout the day, and it can affect or contribute to other health conditions in a number of ways. In extreme cases, sleep apnea can be fatal.

At Batchelor Dentistry, we’re here to help you overcome this frustrating and potentially dangerous condition and achieve the restful sleep you need. Together, we’ll develop a sleep apnea treatment plan that really works so you can enjoy a happy and healthy life.

Worried you might be suffering from sleep apnea?

Understanding Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat relaxes to the point of closing off your airway 

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Occurs when your brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles controlling your breathing

Many people with sleep apnea have no idea they’re suffering from the condition. Though it’s difficult to diagnose, treatment is incredibly important to your health and safety. Watch for common sleep apnea symptoms, including:

• Loud snoring
• Abrupt awakening in the middle of the night accompanied by shortness of breath
• Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
• Morning headache
• Insomnia
• Sleepiness during the day

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, talk with your physician or dentist to find out if you might be suffering from sleep apnea. 

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Our Approach to Sleep Apnea Treatment 

At Batchelor Dentistry, we take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. During your appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms and risk factors to confirm your suspicion of sleep apnea. From there, we’ll explore diagnostic options to determine the severity of your condition and outline therapy options.

In moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea, the gold standard of treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP is worn at night and works by gently repositioning your lower jaw to open up your airway and prevent obstruction. 

In many mild cases of sleep apnea, sleep physicians recommend a custom-fit oral appliance resembling a sports mouth guard. This appliance repositions the lower jaw, opens the airway, and can help reduce the number of apneic events and will even help stop snoring. This appliance may even be an option for individuals with moderate or severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate wearing a CPAP. 

Together, we’ll find a sleep apnea treatment that’s perfect for you!

“From the first phone call of scheduling an appointment, to the welcoming staff in the waiting area, the handshake from Donna, my hygienist, and the wonderful demeanor of Dr. Batchelor... this office hands down has provided the best dental experience I have ever had!”
— Rimma Z.

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