Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Columbia, MD

You may be aware that sleep apnea can make you tired and put you at greater risk for many health issues such as increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, digestive disorders, decreased Libido/erectile dysfunction, anxiety/depression, headaches, and tinnitus (ringing of the ears), to name a few – but most people don’t realize that it can also worsen the health of your mouth too!

Restricted breathing while sleeping can lead to your brain subconsciously pulling you out of the deepest and most restful phase of sleep (this phase of sleep is when your muscles are all relaxed and your body heals itself and you feel well rested)  to a lighter phase of sleep.  Although you are still asleep in this lighter phase of sleep, you now have the muscle tone to subconsciously thrust your tongue out from the back of your mouth and push the tongue out against your teeth (to get the tongue out of the way of your airway so that you can breathe better while sleeping) which is then followed by clenching and/or grinding your teeth.

In the presence of bacteria, the forces of the tongue pushing against the teeth, along with clenching/grinding of the teeth, speed up shifting of the teeth, bone loss, gum recession, cracking/breaking teeth, and ultimately the loss of teeth.  At Baltimore Periodontics & Feel Well Rested, LLC, we sincerely care about the overall health and well-being of our patients.  We strive to give you the very best of health both orally, and for your body, so we evaluate and screen all patients to make sure that their breathing while sleeping is not contributing to their oral, and overall, health issues.

Are You Tired of Waking Up Tired?

A common problem for many people is that they wake up in the morning feeling exhausted, even though they swear they got a full eight hours of sleep. The problem may be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a potentially dangerous disorder that goes undiagnosed in an estimated 17 million Americans.

Typically, OSA is treated using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, but around 50% of patients who are prescribed one end up not using it due to the discomfort caused by its bulky mask and straps. Fortunately, Dr. Moskowitz helps patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea using comfortable and convenient oral appliances and gentle laser treatment.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

In patients with OSA, the soft tissue at the back of the throat relaxes during sleep, causing a blockage of the airway. This results in pauses in breathing that can last for up to a minute or longer. These stoppages can occur hundreds of times per night with the afflicted person unaware they are even happening—and the effects can be very harmful to their health. Over time, this can lead to serious issues, including liver problems, digestive problems, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, chronic headaches, heart failure and depression or anxiety issues.  

Beneficial Oral Appliance Therapy For Sleep Apnea in Baltimore, MD

Oral appliances are small mouthguard-like devices that are customized to fit over patients’ teeth. They are more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask and more convenient for travel.

Dr. Moskowitz offers two types of oral appliances and can determine which will give each patient the best results; one gently keeps the lower jaw shifted slightly forward to allow for uninterrupted airflow during sleep (below left), while the other (below right) allows for a ventilation hose to be attached without the need for an intrusive CPAP mask. 

Some examples of oral sleep appliances (OSA) include:

Sleep Apnea State-of-the-Art Laser Treatment in Elkridge & Columbia, MD

Dr. Moskowitz also offers sophisticated laser treatment that stimulates collagen production at the back of the throat. He uses an advanced, non-invasive Solea CO2 laser to help with snoring. It takes as little as five minutes to gently tighten tissues and open up the airway. Patients report zero discomfort during the procedure, and the relief from snoring—both for patients and their partners—can last up to 15 months.

“Even in cases of very mild sleep apnea, the laser may solve the problem without even the need for an oral appliance,” says Dr. Moskowitz.  

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Some key symptoms of OSA include the following:

  • Loud snoring
  • Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
  • Waking up short of breath
  • Morning headaches
  • Earaches
  • Neck pain
  • Scalloped edges of the tongue—this indicates the tongue is being thrust up against the teeth during the night to try to unblock the airway

Dr. Moskowitz helps patients identify if they may have OSA using his 3D CT scanner, along with an oral examination and consultation with the patient. If sleep apnea is indicated, he will work with a medical doctor to get a sleep study done for an official diagnosis.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or someone you know could be suffering from sleep apnea, Dr. Moskowitz may be able to provide a treatment for you. Contact us at 410-744-6088 to schedule a consultation at our Columbia office today. Our practice serves Columbia, Baltimore and surrounding areas in Maryland. 

Meet Your Award Winning Dentist

Ari Moskowitz, DMD

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Contact us and schedule your visit today. 

Periodontal Care Is More Affordable Than You May Think

Many patients hesitate to proceed with periodontal treatment because they fear they will not be able to afford it. Postponing treatment can be more costly, and early treatment is absolutely necessary if you are predisposed to developing gum disease.

If you have finance concerns, let our team help you make payment arrangements with an extended payment plan. You can also reduce the cost of your treatment by 5% when you pay in full at the time of service. 

OUR LOCATION
Baltimore Periodontics
OFFICE HOURS
Monday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

Skilled, Knowledgeable & Caring Periodontal & Implant Services

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A State-of-the-Art Dental Facility to Best Serve Our Patients in Columbia, MD.