Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea services offered in Bowie, MD

Up to 30 million Americans have sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. At Pointer Ridge Dental Care in Bowie, Maryland, general dentist Shila Yazdani, DDS, MBA, and the team partner with local sleep doctors to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. Call Pointer Ridge Dental Care today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation, or book your appointment online.

Sleep Apnea Q&A

How can I tell if I have sleep apnea?

The only way to know if you have sleep apnea is to undergo a professional sleep study. The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team offers at-home sleep tests to teenagers and adults who are at risk. Each test kit contains a nasal cannula to measure airflow, a belt that measures respiratory effort, and a finger clip that measures the oxygen saturation of your blood.

These devices monitor your breathing, muscle movements, and brain waves during sleep, providing crucial insights into your general health. If your at-home sleep test confirms you have sleep apnea, the Pointer Ridge Dental Care team develops a personalized treatment plan.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea symptoms include:

Loud snoring
Morning headache
Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth
Difficulty paying attention while awake
Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
Mood swings and irritability

Many people disregard these symptoms, but it’s important you don’t. Without treatment, sleep apnea increases the risk of other issues, including heart disease and diabetes.

Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?

The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team doesn’t diagnose sleep apnea. Instead, they partner with sleep doctors and pulmonologists in Prince George’s County. Your dentist prescribes an at-home sleep test if you have sleep apnea symptoms.

After completing the test, return the equipment to Pointer Ridge Dental Care. The team sends your test results to a nearby physician, who interprets them. Thanks to the team’s relationships with local providers, most people receive their test results within 24 hours.

How is sleep apnea treated?

The Pointer Ridge Dental Care team treats sleep apnea with removable oral appliances. Sleep apnea appliances are made from thin and durable plastic. They fit snugly over your lower teeth and push your jaw slightly forward. This change in jaw position opens your airways, making breathing easier during sleep.