Man with obstructive sleeps apnea sleeps fitfully in white sheets

What Is Sleep Apnea?

May 31, 2021 3:51 pm
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Do you have difficulty staying asleep at night? Do you ever wake up gasping for air? Have you ever been told that you snore a lot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from a sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can disrupt your nighttime rest and cause problems for you throughout the day, such as drowsiness, headaches, irritability, mental fog, anxiety, and depression. The best way to combat sleep apnea is to speak with a healthcare professional so you can get diagnosed and started on a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes the body to recurrently stop breathing for periods throughout the night. There are two types of sleep apnea: central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain forgets to tell the lungs to breathe. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the soft tissues in your throat collapse and block your airway.

Can a Dentist Treat My Sleep Apnea?

If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and haven’t liked using a CPAP machine, you’re not alone. Many patients leave their CPAP machines collecting dust on their bedside table because it isn’t comfortable to wear while they sleep. Rockingham Prosthodontics can help you combat your sleeping disorder and get you back to enjoying the rest you deserve.

Since obstructive sleep apnea is the result of a blocked airway, we can custom-design a comfortable oral appliance that keeps your airway open. It will reposition your jaw while you sleep to allow for unobstructed breathing throughout the entire night.

Schedule Your Consultation!

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, our team can help you rediscover a restful night’s sleep. Please contact us today to book your consultation at Rockingham Prosthodontics in Harrisonburg, VA.


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