Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment
Have you been accused of keeping your bed partner awake at night with loud snoring? Do you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, especially in the morning? Do you repeatedly feel tired at midday, even after a full night’s rest?
If you’re struggling with some of these concerns, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
Dr. Raymond and her team offer solutions for patients with sleep apnea. We can help diagnose your condition with a take-home sleep study device that monitors your sleep throughout the night, measures your breathing patterns, and tracks whether you’re waking up during the night and how often. The data collected from the device is analyzed by a sleep professional to determine if you have sleep apnea and its severity.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive (OSA), which means that your airway is blocked while sleeping, cutting off your oxygen supply and causing you to wake up. In severe cases, you may actually be waking hundreds of times throughout the night without even realizing it, keeping you from getting the rejuvenating rest you need.
If you or a bed partner are suffering from sleep apnea, some of the signs you may notice are:
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Frequent headaches
- Loud snoring
- Depression, irritability, and mood swings
- Waking up gasping, choking, or coughing
- Dry throat or mouth
How We Treat Sleep Apnea at Thurmont Family Dentistry
Continuous positive air pressure therapy (CPAP) is the general standard of care for treating sleep apnea. However, some patients find the required mask uncomfortable to wear while sleeping, so our dentists offer an alternative to CPAP therapy with custom oral appliances.
Dr. Raymond has helped our patients reclaim their rest with an appliance that fits like a retainer or mouth guard that you wear during the night to slightly reposition your jaw and open your airway for clear breathing. The appliance is smooth, comfortable to wear, and doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
How Can I Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment in Thurmont?
If you suspect that you or your bed partner may be suffering from sleep apnea, the first step is diagnosis. At Thurmont Family Dentistry, we offer take-home sleep studies that diagnose the severity of your condition. Dr. Raymond can partner with your general physician to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your sleep apnea.
Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea often find the relief they need just by using an oral appliance. Those with severe sleep apnea may benefit from combining an oral appliance with CPAP therapy at night.
Your good night's rest is within reach! Request an evaluation with Dr. Raymond online, or call and talk with our team at (301) 271-2346.
