Sleep Apnea Hampton Roads, VA

Sleep Apnea is a common condition that affects millions of adults. Sleep apnea occurs when a patient’s airway gets partially or completely blocked repeatedly while they sleep. The patient’s throat muscles fail to keep the airway open and the soft tissues or tongue collapse, blocking the airway. This blockage keeps oxygen from reaching your vital organs, and left untreated can cause serious systemic diseases.

Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnosis because you may not realize you are being affected by it. Patients who snore often have sleep apnea. If you snore regularly, it is recommended that you let your medical doctor or dentist know so you can be tested for sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea Newport News, VA

Sleep apnea has been linked to an increase in heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and other systemic diseases. In many patients, sleep apnea is related to chronic TMJ pain, broken and chipped teeth, and even tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for conservative treatment.

Dr. Harper can help you get back a restful nights sleep. Sleeping well is essential to proper brain function and overall health. Dr. Harper is highly trained and experienced in restorative dentistry and can provide custom fabricated oral sleep devices.  An oral sleep device can help reposition the teeth and jaw to prevent your soft tissues from blocking your airway.

Because you experience sleep apnea while asleep, it may be difficult to recognize that you have sleep apnea. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms be sure to let your medical doctor or Newport News, VA dentist Dr. Harper know. Diagnosing sleep apnea as soon as possible can help to deter the development of associated health risks.

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

  • Waking up gasping for air
  • Snoring
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Learning and memory difficulties
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restless sleep, waking during sleep
  • Feeling tired after sleeping

Anyone could develop sleep apnea, however, there are several health and lifestyle factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing sleep apnea. If any of the following risk factors apply to you or your loved one, you may consider being tested for sleep apnea. Finding help for your sleep apnea can help you get a better nights sleep and improve your quality of life.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

  • Excess weight – Patient’s who are overweight are at a higher risk for sleep apnea
  • Large neck circumference – more fat tissue around the neck can obstruct the airway
  • Narrow airway – Some patients are born with narrow throats or a patient may have enlarged tonsils that narrow the airway, both will increase the chance of breathing being blocked
  • Men – Men are 2X more likely to develop sleep apnea than women
  • Family history – If you have a family history of sleep apnea you are more likely to develop sleep apnea. Be sure to let Dr.Harper know if you have a known family history.
  • Hypertensive – If you have high blood pressure it may be a result of your sleep apnea if you suffer from high blood pressure it is a good idea to be tested for sleep apnea.
  • Diabetes – Sleep apnea had been linked to those with diabetes

Dentistry and Sleep Apnea

A member of both the Jamison Spencer Study Club and the Spear Faculty Club, Dr. Harper has received advanced education from some of the top TMJ and Sleep Apnea education groups. Dr. Harper has dedicated extensive hours to continued education to provide his patients with state of the art diagnosis and treatment.

Our Newport News dental care team is committed to providing our patients with compassionate and comprehensive dental care from the moment they walk into our office. We focus on the 3 pillars of health: activity, nutrition, and sleep. Your oral health plays an imperative role in these pillars and your well-being.

Personalized Treatment

Dr. William Harper offers patients personalized and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. Treating sleep apnea is essential for maintaining your oral health and your overall well-being. Dr. Harper provides personalized sleep apnea treatment plans because every patient at our dentist office is treated as an individual. Our Newport News dental office uses the latest and most up to date modern dental technology so patients may receive the most effective and comfortable dentistry.

In order to provide patients with the most thorough and highly accurate care, Dr. Harper works cooperatively with medical specialists, psychiatrists, ENT’s and neurologists. Together, Dr. Harper and his team of professionals can create a comprehensive treatment plan to treat their sleep apnea.
Our team will help our patients file their medical insurance claims to make sure they are able to maximize their benefits.