Sleep Apnea Treatment in Arlington, VA

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that robs you of restful sleep and places your overall health at risk. At Clarendon Family Dentistry in Arlington, VA, we offer sleep apnea treatment that allows you to breathe freely and get a good night’s rest.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Do you feel tired when you wake up? Does your partner complain of your loud snoring or gasping for breath? These are some signs that you might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When you go to sleep, the tongue and soft tissue in your throat naturally soften and relax. For those with OSA, this softening can completely block the airway, making breathing difficult or impossible.

As your body is deprived of oxygen, it forces you awake to breathe, resulting in a loud snorting or gasping sound. These episodes can last minutes and occur hundreds of times a night, putting your general health and well-being at risk. 

These constant interruptions mean you don’t get the restful and rejuvenating sleep you need. The lack of sufficient oxygen for hours at a time can strain the cardiovascular system and lead to numerous health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Stroke

OSA also manifests in your daily life in many ways:

• Severe daytime drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Drowsy driving accidents
• Confusion
• Irritability 

Who’s at Risk for Developing Sleep Apnea?

Experiencing symptoms like gasping for air or waking up feeling tired, combined with the following factors may indicate OSA:

• Being male
• Being overweight
• Enlarged tonsils
• Thicker neck circumference
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of sleep apnea

Dr. Brigid Mooney works with your primary care doctor or sleep physician to develop a treatment plan to address your needs. The go-to solution for sleep apnea is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), but many find the device noisy and cumbersome.

If you have mild to moderate OSA, you may be a candidate for a simple dental appliance customized at Clarendon Family Dentistry. This device fits over your upper and lower teeth like a mouthguard and is worn when sleeping. The device repositions your lower jaw, moving it slightly forward to prevent your tongue and soft tissue from obstructing your airway.

This is a simple, effective solution for those who qualify but must be prescribed by a medical doctor. Once we have approval, we’ll customize the device to your needs, and you’ll be on your way to getting the rejuvenating rest your body needs. 

Let Us Help You Get the Rest You Need

Dr. Mooney understands how disruptive and dangerous obstructive sleep apnea can be and wants to help you get the necessary care. Call us at (703) 522-8894 to schedule a consultation appointment at our Arlington, VA, dental office to see how we can help you. We proudly serve patients from surrounding communities, including