Sleep Apnea Treatment | Dentist in Virginia Beach, VA

Custom Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Snoring is common, but despite the noise it causes, not many people consider it a serious condition, and often it isn’t. However, over time, chronic snorers can experience an increased risk of health issues. They may also be suffering from a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients with OSA may not realize they have this condition. Yet, lack of awareness can exacerbate the risks that the disorder may place on their overall health. Snoring is a definitive symptom of OSA, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. The patterns of snoring associated with OSA are distinct, and are caused by your airway gradually closing due to over-relaxed, or over-sized, oral tissues. The obstruction can cause patients to stop breathing for up to ten seconds or more, and the pattern can repeat itself up to hundreds of times a night.

During Your Visit

To accurately diagnose OSA, Dr. Folck or one of our associates may recommend that you visit a sleep specialist to undergo an overnight sleep assessment. The assessment will reveal details of your sleeping and breathing patterns, and can help experts determine with certainty whether or not you exhibit obstructive sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, then your sleep expert might recommend treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. However, an oral sleep appliance may be a possible treatment option designed to keep your airway open and clear while you sleep. The appliance is similar to a mouth guard, and is significantly more manageable than the cumbersome CPAP machine.

Find Out if You Need Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you snore chronically, then don’t ignore it, or you may risk experiencing the health risks associated with sleep apnea. To find out if you should receive sleep apnea treatment, schedule a visit by calling Absolute Dental Care today at (757) 428-7440. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, we also proudly welcome patients of all ages from Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampton, Eastern Shore, and all surrounding communities.