Do you snore? Do you often feel more tired when you wake up than when you went to sleep? You could be at risk of developing sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway becomes momentarily blocked, cutting the flow of oxygen off to the vital organs. The airway becomes blocked when the soft tissues in the mouth relax and collapse towards the back of the throat.
The involuntary movement of the soft tissues can repeatedly close the airway during sleep, causing breathing and heart problems. However, Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS, treats sleep apnea in Washington, D.C. with oral appliances. Dr. Catanzano also provides general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in the DC metro area.
Meet Dr. Joseph Catanzano: Your Washington, DC Sleep Apnea Dentist
You have choices when you need sleep apnea treatment in Washington, DC. Here’s what sets our practice apart.
Specialized Training in Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Catanzano is an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. This organization is dedicated to the study and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. His membership reflects his commitment to staying current with the latest research and techniques in oral appliance therapy.
Over 20 Years of Experience
Dr. Catanzano has been practicing in Washington, DC for over 20 years. He’s also a member of the American Academy of Periodontology and the Seattle Study Club, a comprehensive care organization. This breadth of experience means he understands how oral health connects to your overall health, including sleep.
Digital Impressions for a Precise Fit
We use TRIOS 3D imaging to take digital impressions of your teeth. This technology creates a precise digital model of your mouth, which we use to design your custom oral appliance. The result is a better fit, more comfort, and more effective treatment.
A Comfort-Focused Practice
We know that dental visits can feel stressful. That’s why we’ve designed our office to help you relax. Enjoy earphones for music, warm neck pillows, and sunglasses to dull the light from exam lamps. We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Coordinated Care with Your Physician
We don’t work in isolation. Our office partners with your sleep physician to ensure your treatment is effective and your health is monitored. This collaborative approach gives you the best possible outcome.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many common symptoms often accompany sleep apnea:
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Consistent, loud snoring
- Waking up to breathe
- Headaches that arise in the morning
- Feeling excessively tired during the day
- Sleeping with an open mouth
Anyone can be diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, some groups are more prone to the condition:
- Men over the age of 40
- Patients who have a large neck circumference
- Those who are overweight
- Diabetic patients
- Patients with high blood pressure
- Those with a genetic predisposition
These symptoms and risk factors are important to keep in mind. If you notice any signs of sleep apnea, call Foxhall Smiles for treatment.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is absolutely something to contact us about right away if you notice symptoms. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to various health problems and even put you at risk for death. It negatively impacts both your physical and mental health.
Mental Impacts
When you wake up many times during the night, you never get deep, restorative sleep. This can harm your memory and make it hard to focus during the day. You may feel exhausted at work or school. Driving while drowsy is also dangerous and increases your risk of accidents.
Chronic sleep deprivation also affects your mood. It changes the chemicals in your brain, which can lead to depression or anxiety. You may feel irritable and have trouble controlling your emotions. These effects get worse over time without treatment.
Physical Problems
One of the biggest worries with untreated sleep apnea is how it impacts the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea puts a heavy strain on your heart and blood vessels. When your breathing stops, oxygen levels drop. Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, raising your blood pressure. Over time, this increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and irregular heart rhythms.
Sleep apnea also disrupts the hormones that control hunger. You may crave more sugary, high-calorie foods. This can lead to weight gain, which then makes sleep apnea worse. It becomes a difficult cycle to break without help.
Untreated sleep apnea can also cause problems with your liver and increase risks during surgery. Your partner may lose sleep because of your loud snoring. And your own irritability can strain relationships with the people around you.
Patient Review
Treating Sleep Apnea in Washington, DC
Oral appliance therapy is a good option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard, customized to fit each patient. This solution opens the airways and prevents the soft tissue in the back of the throat from collapsing.
The appliance is worn during sleep to help reposition the jaw. Oral appliance therapy helps patients get a full night of sleep. Dr. Catanzano will assess your teeth and gums before treatment to determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you.
In addition to treating sleep apnea, Dr. Catanzano provides restorative dental services in Washington, D.C. Sometimes, treating crooked teeth by widening the jaw or correcting bite misalignment can create a more open airway.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Have tried CPAP but couldn’t tolerate it
- Prefer a more comfortable, portable option
- Have a healthy mouth with no significant gum disease or tooth decay
- Can commit to wearing the appliance every night and attending follow-up visits
If you have severe sleep apnea, CPAP may still be the best option. We’ll work with your physician to determine the right treatment for you.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Read answers to common questions about sleep apnea in Washington, DC.
How long can sleep apnea go untreated?
Obstructive sleep apnea can reduce your life expectancy by 12 to 15 years if left untreated. OSA doesn’t have a permanent cure. However, diagnosis and therapy can reduce its complications.
Do dentists diagnose sleep apnea?
No, dentists don’t diagnose sleep apnea. That’s the role of your physician or a sleep specialist. If you haven’t been diagnosed, we can refer you to a trusted sleep physician. Once you have a diagnosis, we can provide custom sleep appliance therapy.
How long does it take to get an oral appliance?
It typically takes two to three weeks from your digital impressions to receive your custom appliance.
Does your heart stop when you have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can cause aberrant heart rhythms. Over time, this strain raises your risk of heart problems and even sudden cardiac arrest.
When your breathing stops, oxygen levels drop. Your body panics and releases stress hormones. This raises your blood pressure and puts extra strain on your heart.
What is the best position for someone with sleep apnea to sleep?
The optimal position for those with sleep apnea is on their side, with their backs mostly straight. Also, research shows that sleeping on your left side lowers your risk of sleep apnea even more than sleeping on your right.
Does stress cause apnea?
While we sleep, the muscles in the throat relax, which may obstruct airways and cause sleep apnea. Although it’s not a direct cause of sleep apnea, stress can also worsen some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Exam & Consultation
You do not have to live with loud snoring and daytime fatigue. Dr. Catanzano can help. Call Foxhall Smiles for sleep apnea treatment at 202-315-2188. Request an appointment online anytime, and our dental care team will get back to you promptly.