Diagnosing

Sleep Apnea

in Monkton

More and more people are becoming familiar with sleep apnea and its associated dangers. Snoring used to be the subject of many jokes and minor annoyances in the household, but research has pointed to how serious it really should be taken.

An “apnea” is a pause in breathing. Yes, that means people who suffer from sleep apnea literally stop breathing. As you well know, not breathing isn’t going to help you stay healthy — or alive. Many factors can lead to sleep apnea: weight, physiology, environment, etc. No matter what the cause behind your sleep apnea, a solution is needed.

Consequences of Sleep Apnea

When the muscles around your throat relax during sleep, this can cause the airway to collapse. When the airway is collapsed and your airflow is blocked, breathing harder only tightens that seal.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea wake up constantly during the night, sometimes without even realizing it. When your airway is obstructed, your brain tells you to wake up and unconsciously returns your mouth to its normal position until the obstruction happens again.

During these periods where your airway is obstructed, you are not breathing, and this can have a detrimental effect on the oxygen levels in your blood.

Sleep apnea may cause:

Daytime sleepiness.
Weight gain.
Mental confusion.
Sluggishness.
High blood pressure.
Headaches.
Sexual dysfunction.
Heartburn.

In serious cases, sleep apnea may even cause a heart attack or a stroke.

Snoring and sleep apnea are not mutually exclusive, but if you snore and don’t feel like you are getting enough sleep, it may be a sign that you also suffer from sleep apnea. If you are one of the forty percent of snorers who suffer from sleep apnea, we can help.

At Maryland Center for Dental Sleep Apnea in Monkton, we offer treatment for all of our patients with sleep disorders who struggle to get a good night’s rest. We utilize cutting-edge technology and skill to provide the highest quality sleep apnea solutions and care to our patients in the Monkton, Parkton, and Sparks areas.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, you may wonder if you are one of the many Americans who suffer from sleep apnea. At Maryland Center for Dental Sleep Apnea in Monkton, we can assess your sleep habits and determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Snoring every night or almost every night.
A larger than average neck.
Stopping to breathe or gasp in your sleep.
High blood pressure.
Memory problems.
Feeling tired during the day.
Falling asleep often during the day during activities like watching TV.

If you experience these sleep apnea symptoms, it could be a sign that you suffer from sleep apnea. If you feel tired during the day, and feel like this is affecting your life, you may want to seek treatment at our facility.

At Maryland Center for Dental Sleep Apnea, we are passionate about providing help for our sleep apnea patients. We offer the most current treatments for sleep apnea and will work with you to find a solution so that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. We want our patients to feel healthy and to enjoy the best quality of life!

How Can Dr. Longenecker Treat Sleep Apnea?

Fortunately, Dr. Longenecker has a solution for you. We have invested the time, energy, and resources needed to provide a viable sleep apnea treatment for our wonderful Monkton and Parkton area patients.

The key to understanding the sleep apnea treatment we provide is to understand what’s actually happening when we snore.

When you sleep, your body relaxes. Even your jaw and tongue relax. As they relax, they decrease the size of your air passages, making it harder to breathe. This decreased space leads to snoring. Because of the difficulty to breathe, you may experience actual “apneas” or pauses in your breathing.

Many suffer from sleep apnea for years without even knowing it. Sleepiness, headaches, and lethargy can all be side effects of sleep apnea. If you are unsure if you have sleep apnea, please consider visiting us for your own health and safety.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

By addressing the root of the cause of sleep apnea, and providing a treatment that corrects it, Dr. Longenecker can help his patients enjoy a good night’s rest.

Sleep More Soundly | When you sleep soundly, your body is able to better recharge itself and prepare itself for the day ahead. Everyone needs sleep and there are few greater pleasures than a night of solid, rejuvenating rest.
Stay Healthier | Patients who get enough sleep at night feel better about themselves and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Sleep apnea can affect your blood pressure and your immune system. With a good sleep apnea treatment, you can feel energized and healthy again.
Help Your Family Sleep Better Too | Sleep apnea doesn’t only affect the sufferer, sleep apnea also affects the patient’s household. With a sleep apnea treatment, you will be able to help your family or household enjoy a better night’s rest.

Stop Snoring! Schedule Sleep Apnea Treatment in Monkton Today!

If you think you may suffer from sleep apnea, don’t wait any longer to get diagnosed and start treatment! Call, text, or email our Monkton dentist office now to set up an appointment if you are in the Parkton – Sparks, MD area!