Snoring and Sleep Apnea

The best dentist for sleep apnea treatment in Hunt Valley, MD

Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea experience shallow breathing or frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. This occurs when muscles supporting the throat relax and obstruct your airway as you breathe in. Individuals often wake gasping for breath multiple times throughout the night.

Sleep apnea doesn’t simply make it difficult for you or your loved ones to get a good night’s sleep. Every apneic episode decreases oxygen supply to the brain, leaving you exhausted during the day and putting you at a greater risk for other serious health conditions.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

A woman is covering her ears while a man sleeps next to her.

Sleep Apnea in Hunt Valley, Maryland

When it comes to addressing sleep apnea in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Nathanson Dental offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway, causing dangerous drops in the levels of oxygen in the blood. Most people with OSA are not aware that they snore or show signs of sleep apnea. Current estimates are that 80% to 90% of people with OSA are undiagnosed.

During your consultation, we'll discuss your symptoms and concerns, creating a personalized treatment plan to improve your sleep quality and overall health.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine headaches, and erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown that these consequences of OSA can take 10 to 15 years off a person’s life.

Common signs of sleep apnea include:

Snoring, especially loud snoring
Extreme drowsiness during the day
Personality changes and irritability
Difficulty staying asleep
Awakening with a very dry or sore throat
Frequent morning headaches

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Common signs of sleep apnea include:

Snoring, especially loud snoring
Extreme drowsiness during the day
Personality changes and irritability
Difficulty staying asleep
Awakening with a very dry or sore throat
Frequent morning headaches

A woman wearing a mask is sleeping in a bed

Navigating Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE WHETHER YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW AND/OR LOVE) HAS SLEEP APNEA IS TO HAVE A SLEEP STUDY WHICH IS THEN INTERPRETED BY A BOARD-CERTIFIED SLEEP PHYSICIAN. In most cases, this test can even be done in the comfort of your own home. We can either provide you with a home sleep apnea testing device or, if necessary, arrange for testing by one of the highly qualified sleep physicians with whom we work.

Sleep apnea treatment options include Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). While CPAP therapy can be highly effective for those who can use it consistently, studies have indicated that as many as 50% of patients are non-compliant with using their CPAP device and discontinue using it due to their inability to tolerate it.

What Is The Alternative To A CPAP Machine?

The oral appliance provides an alternative to CPAP therapy. It works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has identified oral appliance therapy as an effective first line treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for certain patients with more severe OSA who prefer it to CPAP. Most medical insurance companies will provide some coverage toward the cost of Oral Appliance Therapy.

What Is The Alternative To A CPAP Machine?

A woman is holding a blue mouth guard in her mouth.

The VIVOS System

Nathanson Dental now offers the VIVOS system, a groundbreaking solution for orthodontic and sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea, often unnoticed, can significantly impact health by causing drops in blood oxygen levels. Recognizable by symptoms like loud snoring, it's crucial to seek treatment, especially when accompanied by conditions like high blood pressure. VIVOS, an FDA-cleared system, targets craniofacial underdevelopment, a major factor in sleep-disordered breathing. Customized oral appliances, worn during sleep, offer relief within weeks. Dr. Nathanson collaborates closely with medical specialists for optimal adjustments. VIVOS isn't just for adults; it aids children with sleep issues too. If your child struggles with snoring or related symptoms, VIVOS might provide the answer. Don't delay; prioritize your health and schedule a consultation for sleep apnea treatment in Hunt Valley, MD with Nathanson Dental today.

Visit Nathanson Dental

Dr. Nathanson has years of experience in treating patients with custom fitted Oral Appliances for OSA. If you or anyone you know exhibit any of the signs or symptoms noted above, please be sure to contact our office today to schedule an appointment to arrange for testing and to see if an oral appliance will be the right path of treatment for you.

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