How can we help you?
When it comes to your dental care, you may have more questions than answers, and that's okay!
We expect and welcome questions because we know that informed patients tend to enjoy better oral health. When we know what's on your mind, we can provide the guidance you need to make confident decisions about your oral care.
We get a lot of questions, and here are a few that we hear most frequently. If you have a question and don't see it answered here, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 281-7104 or email us using our convenient online contact form.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Yes—sleep apnea can be more than just loud snoring or feeling tired.
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a partner notices symptoms like gasping, choking, or restless sleep. A formal sleep study and diagnosis are essential.
When left untreated, this common sleep disorder can have serious, even life-threatening consequences.
The Risks of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, often due to a blocked or collapsed airway (obstructive sleep apnea). These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to significant health issues, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Daytime fatigue and accidents
- Cognitive problems and impaired memory
Sleep apnea can also worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In children, sleep apnea may affect growth, behavior, and academic performance.
Treating Sleep Apnea in Vienna, VA
The good news is that treatments such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes can drastically reduce risks and improve sleep quality. If you or a loved one suspects sleep apnea, don’t wait—talk to your doctor or dentist to get screened. Your long-term health may depend on it.
Effective, Efficient Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vienna, VA
If you’re looking for a dentist in Vienna with experience treating sleep apnea and performing a comprehensive range of preventative and corrective dental procedures, contact Dr. David Paino and the caring and knowledgeable Vienna Family Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious condition during which breathing is disrupted during sleep. Over time, it can lead to poor rest, chronic fatigue, and potential systemic health complications. Fortunately, several effective treatment options and medical devices are available to ensure you don’t lose sleep over sleep apnea.
For mild cases, lifestyle modifications can reduce symptoms. Losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can help keep airways open. These non-invasive approaches are often recommended as first-line solutions.
Advanced Sleep Apnea Interventions
Medical devices are a primary treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the gold standard, delivering a steady flow of air to keep airways open during sleep. For patients who find CPAP challenging, alternatives like BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines or oral appliances to adjust jaw position can be effective.
In some cases, surgical interventions — like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) to remove excess throat tissue or implantable devices to stimulate airway muscles — are viable options when other, less invasive treatments prove ineffective.
Effectively and Efficiently Treating Sleep Apnea in Vienna, VA
If you’re looking for an experienced Vienna, VA, dental practice to determine whether you’re suffering from sleep apnea and tailor a treatment plan to minimize its effects and help you regain your best rest, contact dentist Dr. David Paino and the excellent Vienna Family Dental team to schedule a consultation!
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, and it is caused by an obstructed airway that keeps you from getting the oxygen you need while you're sleeping.
Sleep apnea is dangerous because the lack of oxygen signals your brain to wake you, which happens without you realizing it. You may be waking up multiple, even hundreds of times throughout the night in severe cases, so you're not getting the rejuvenating rest you need.
When you don't get the proper amount of rest you need, it can result in these symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Brain fog
- High blood pressure
- Depression or mood disorders
- Difficulty focusing on tasks throughout the day
Treating Sleep Apnea
Dr. Paino, your trusted sleep apnea dentist in Vienna, VA, offers solutions for mild or moderate cases of sleep apnea with an oral appliance. The oral appliance is comfortable to wear while you sleep, and it slightly repositions your jaw to open your airway for clear breathing.
More severe cases of sleep apnea may require continuous positive air pressure therapy (CPAP) to help manage sleep apnea. Dr. Paino can sometimes combine an oral appliance with the CPAP for even more effective results.
You Deserve a Good Night's Rest!
Contact Vienna Family Dental for more information about sleep apnea treatment in Vienna, VA.