Dental Designs by Drs. Newman, Tam, & ASSOC.
A Division of Atlantic Dental Care, PLC
Formerly David I. Jones, DDC
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Sleep Apnea


Sleep Apnea in Virginia Beach

Everyone knows that regular dental care is important to your overall health. However, many people are unaware that dentists also handle treatment for sleep apnea, a medical condition that causes people to stop breathing while they sleep. When you're in need of sleep apnea treatment in Virginia Beach, VA, get in touch with Dental Designs DDS & Assoc. PC. In addition to sleep apnea treatment, we specialize in comprehensive dental services including dental veneers, implants, clear braces, and root canals. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with our team and get the stunning smile you deserve.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing while you’re sleeping. If it goes untreated, it can cause loud snoring, daytime tiredness, or more serious problems like heart complications, diabetes, or high blood pressure. The most common type of sleep disordered breathing is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes constricted or blocked during sleep. In response to the airway obstruction, a person usually wakes up, engages the muscles in their throat, and takes several gasps or deep breaths, often accompanied by sounds like snorting or choking.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

You usually won’t notice your first symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, your bed partner may make you aware of them. The most common signs and symptoms are:

  • Snoring
  • Fatigue or sleepiness during the day
  • Restlessness while sleeping, or regular nighttime awakenings
  • Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up
  • Waking up suddenly after gasping or choking
  • Trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or crankiness
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Constant need to go pee at night
  • Night sweats
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Headaches
Sleep Apnea Treatment
 

Testing

A sleep study is necessary to diagnose obstructive or central sleep apnea. There are 2 kinds of sleep tests, polysomnography and home sleep test.

  • Polysomnography (PSG): usually done at a sleep center or hospital. Multiple sensors are used to track breathing, awakenings, oxygen levels, muscle movement, sleep stages, and other aspects of sleep
  • Home sleep test (HST) allows a person to complete a sleep study from home. It’s similar to an overnight sleep study, but doesn't involve brain wave monitoring

Treatment

Once a sleep test is performed, a medical doctor can assess the degree of obstruction and recommend treatment. Some treatment options include:

  • CPAP – a device that provides continuous positive pressure to keep the airways open
  • Surgery to remove tissue in the throat and expand the airway can be a treatment option for patients who have tissue obstructing their airway. Another type of surgical treatment requires implanting a device to stimulate a nerve that helps control breathing.
  • Mandibular Advancement Device – an appliance made by a dental profession to advance the mandible forward, thus opening up airways
  • Lifestyle changes - Reducing BMI by losing weight, Getting regular exercise, Reducing alcohol consumption

Sleep Apnea Clinic

At Dental Designs, we evaluate patients of OSA as a routine part of our exam. If a sleep study is deemed necessary, we work with your medical doctor to order a sleep test. We provide a home sleep test (HST) for patient convenience to perform at the comfort of their own home. For patients who have mild to moderate OSA or those with CPAP intolerance, we can also fabricate a MAD.

Contact us today to discuss sleep apnea treatment in Virginia Beach in just one appointment! We proudly serve Virginia Beach, Pungo, Oceana, Sandbridge, Red Mill, Strawbridge and Court House, Virginia.