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How do you treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in an Annandale, VA area dental office?

How Do You Treat Sleep Apnea and Snoring in Annandale, VA area

At Evergreen Dental Wellness, Annandale, VA area dentist, Dr. Richard D. Fischer, provides a wide selection of treatments that can be used to improve your smile. However, many patients are unaware of the additional services offered by our team. With the help of our staff, patients with obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring issues can obtain successful treatment at our dental office.

How do you treat obstructive sleep apnea ( OSA ) and snoring?

When patients in the community think about conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and chronic snoring, the last thing they may think of is working with a dental staff for treatment. When patients have been diagnosed with snoring or OSA, they can work with a specially trained dentist to obtain treatment via oral appliance therapy. In 2011 Dr Fischer became only the second dentist in the entire state of Virgina to be awarded Diplomate status by the American Board of Dental Sleep medicine.

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New Patients: 703-215-9630   Existing Patients: 703-256-4441

Oral appliance therapy is a solution for sleeping disorders as it can provide proper alignment of the jaw to keep the airway open for a better night’s sleep. A specialized mouth guard can help patients by addressing the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, and related  problems such as:

  • Chronic Daytime sleepiness
  • Gasping for breath at night
  • Poor sleep quality
  • GERD ( Gastric reflux)
  • Insomnia
  • Increased depression and anxiety
  • Poor memory and concentration

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that is serious and should not be ignored. It can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke by 500%. Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed during a sleep study, and medical practitioners will often suggest the use of CPAP therapy. The CPAP mask device is worn at night, forcing air through the mouth and/or nose, to help open the airways. However, the mask can be uncomfortable, and the device can be difficult to travel with. This prevents many patients from complying with treatment. Instead, patients can use the oral appliance to address the problem in a more comfortable and portable manner. Obstructive sleep apnea, when effectively treated, can completely restore one’s quality of life.

Is oral appliance therapy effective?

Eldery woman uses oral appliance therapy

Absolutely! An oral appliance allows a patient’s airway to remain open during sleep, thus  allowing a better night’s sleep and eliminating the snoring sounds. As a result, the patient is able to reach the restorative sleep they require to improve the overall quality of life and them feel more rested every morning. Patients can ask if oral appliance therapy is right for them by consulting with our team of professionals at our practice during an initial evaluation.

Can a dentist diagnose obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring?

It is necessary for patients to have their diagnosis done during a sleep study with a medical sleep specialist or their primary care physician. This ensures that the condition is properly diagnosed, and that patients are made fully aware of the severity of their condition. Patients frequently receive insurance coverage from the medical ( not dental ) insurance company.

What happens if OSA goes untreated?

Obstructive sleep apnea, once diagnosed should be treated properly as soon as possible to  reduce the chance of other health problems from occurring. When patients are not getting enough sleep, their overall health and wellness are affected. Patients feel tired each day, even if they spent enough hours in bed for a full night’s rest. This impacts their ability to function properly and can impair their work, driving safety, and one’s overall daily mood. By effectively treating obstructive sleep apnea, patients notice a dramatic improvement in their daily life and how they feel.

Does someone who snores have obstructive sleep apnea?

Man snoring while his wife is covering ears with the pillow

While snoring can be a sign that obstructive sleep apnea exists, it does not mean that everyone who snores has the condition. It is best for a sleep study to be completed to determine if the snoring is a problem that needs to be addressed further.

Book a visit with Dr. Richard D. Fischer today!

If you are interested in learning more about the advantages of treatment for conditions such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, we welcome you to request an appointment with the team at Evergreen Dental Wellness in Annandale, VA. By calling 703-215-9630, our front office team can book you for a consultation visit during which questions can be answered and treatment options can be discussed. The practice, located at 4222 Evergreen Lane, is conveniently located for families to obtain the care and attention they require for a beautiful and healthy smile for life!

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