Great Falls, VA
At Loza Dental Great Falls, we are happy to offer diagnostic and treatment of sleep apnea disorders.
The latest technology in diagnostics allows us to evaluate your sleep patterns at home. The Ares device from Watermark Medical is a take home unit that will record several clinical parameters while you sleep in your own bed. The data recorded by this device will allow us to properly diagnose the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea.
Once a proper diagnosis and the severity of your condition have been determined, Doctor Loza can develop intraoral appliances that will help you keep your airway open while you sleep. This process is done with the assistance of the technology to measure your airway. Sonar technology will measure changes on your airway as your jaw is properly positioned to maximize opening of the airway. Most intraoral appliances are designed to bring your lower jaw forward.
Let us help you get back to getting a good night sleep, contact us to get more information.
More About Sleep Apnea
As innocuous as it may seem, snoring can be a symptom of a sometimes serious condition called sleep apnea. Pausing in breath during sleep and snoring are the main signs of this disorder. Obstructive sleep apnea can occur when there is an obstruction in the airway during sleep. These obstructions are usually caused by throat muscles that relax and block airflow, or by the rolling back of the tongue into the airway.
Untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even death due to decreased oxygen levels, depending on the severity of the condition. However, even a more mild case can cause discomfort and interrupt the life of the patient. Those who suffer from sleep apnea will often experience a lack of quality sleep leading to drowsiness, irritability, and frequent headaches.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the recommended treatment will depend on your specific situation. Mild sleep apnea cases can often be treated with the use of an oral appliance. The appliance will fit over your teeth and keeps your airway open during sleep. Therefore, you will be able to fall and stay asleep and get better quality rest.