Sleep Apnea Treatments

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can reduce sleep quality and may contribute to broader health concerns over time. At Sunrise Dental Studio in Pasadena, Maryland, Dr. Afshin Nateghi offers oral appliance therapy as a dental approach to managing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy involves a custom-fitted device that is worn during sleep. The appliance gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward to help keep the airway open. For patients who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a physician and find CPAP machines difficult to tolerate, an oral appliance may be a more comfortable alternative. Dr. Nateghi works in coordination with your physician to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your situation.

Common signs of sleep apnea include loud or chronic snoring, waking up gasping or choking, excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. If you or a sleep partner have noticed these symptoms, it is important to seek a medical evaluation. Once a diagnosis has been made, Dr. Nateghi can discuss whether an oral appliance could be part of your treatment plan.

Your oral appliance is fabricated from impressions of your teeth to help ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Dr. Nateghi will monitor your progress and may make adjustments to optimize the position of the appliance over time. Patients who use oral appliances should continue to follow up with their physician to track the effectiveness of their overall sleep apnea management. A well-fitted appliance can also help reduce the jaw tension that sometimes accompanies sleep-disordered breathing.

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and would like to explore oral appliance therapy, contact Sunrise Dental Studio. Call our office at 410-647-3595 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Afshin Nateghi.