Harrisonburg Sleep Apnea Treatment

 Find Relief from Sleep Issues

What is sleep apnea?

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea affects 25 million Americans at any given time. Those who suffer from this sleep disorder experience breathing interruptions called “apneas” while they are sleeping - individuals actually stop breathing for a few seconds. The most common symptom is that it reduces the quality of the individual’s sleep, causing symptoms of sleep deprivation, like loss of mental focus throughout the day, poor moods, and decreased energy levels overall.

There are more serious health concerns, however, when sleep apnea goes untreated. It can lead to heightened blood pressure and can even lead to heart problems. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at (540) 432-9992 to get more information about Harrisonburg sleep apnea treatments.

Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?

The first step in treating sleep apnea is getting diagnosed at a medical sleep center. Batchelor Dentistry’s sleep apnea dentists can identify dental issues associated with the condition in order to identify individuals who may suffer from sleep apnea. Once our patients have a diagnosis, we can offer treatment solutions in the form of mandibular advancement devices (MADs). 

MAD for Harrisonburg sleep apnea treatment

MADs are devices that are similar to mouth guards. They work by moving the tongue and lower jaw forward in the patient’s mouth to open up airways while sleeping. Not only do MADs significantly reduce snoring, but unblocking the airway also prevents apneas from occurring during sleep. 

FAQs about sleep apnea treatments

Many health insurance plans provide coverage for sleep apnea treatment oral devices. 

While pain shouldn’t be experienced while the MAD is in use, patients often experience mild jaw tension when they first begin using the device. Once you get used to wearing your MAD, it should become more comfortable. If pain persists in the gums, it’s likely that the device isn’t adjusted properly. However, if jaw pain is present, it could indicate an issue with TMJ and the dentist should be informed.

Side effects when using the device are mild and present much less risk than untreated sleep apnea. Side effects include:

• Occasional toothaches

• Stiff jaw when first using the device

• Excessive production of saliva

• Dry mouth upon waking

Contact us to get your sleep apnea diagnosed and begin sleep apnea treatment

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