Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Sleep Apnea-How To Prevent Sleepless Nights?

Sound sleep is very important for good physical health; if you experience difficulty in sleeping then your dentist may have an answer to the problem. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can be successfully treated by using oral appliance therapy. Let’s try to find out more about sleep apnea, through this blog, brought to you by Ridgetop Dental-the best dentists in Sterling, VA.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep related disorder that causes the patient to stop breathing while they sleep. Snoring is a major indicator of sleep apnea. It’s a potentially fatal condition, which needs timely intervention.

Why it is important to treat sleep apnea?

Treating obstructive sleep apnea is very important as it can cause various short term and long term complications, like-

·         Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
·         Morning headaches and memory loss
·         Increases your risk of drowsy driving and workplace accidents\

Long term complications include

·         High Blood Pressure
·         Stroke
·         Diabetes
·         Heart Disease
·         Chronic acid reflux

How is Obstructive Sleep Apnea treated?

There are various treatment options available to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The right course of treatment for a patient can only be determined after a thorough examination by an expert, suggests the expert for general and cosmetic dentistry in Sterling, VA. Your dentist may suggest any of the following treatment methods:

·         Patients with severe sleep apnea may be advised to wear a face mask (CPAP system) that delivers air through mask.
·         Oral appliance therapy using a mouth guard-like device, which is only worn during sleep, in order to maintain an open, unobstructed airway.
·         Surgical options include a variety of procedures that have varying success rates.
·         Patients with mild sleep apnea may be advised to make behavioral changes such as altering the sleeping position, losing weight, or quitting smoking.


Talk to Ridgetop Dental’s expert dentists about treatment options for sleep apnea. Ask if oral appliance therapy might be the right solution for you.  To schedule an appointment or to find out more about cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, restorative dentistry or sedation dentistry in Sterling, VA, visit Ridgetop Dental at-http://www.ridgetopdental.com/

All You Need To Know About TMJ Disorders

If you experience unexplained pain in your jaw, upper neck, ears or experience clicking sounds while eating or speaking then it’s time to visit a good dental facility like Ridgetop Dental. The experts at Ridgetop Dental have the best diagnosis and treatment options like-invisalign in Northern Virginia for the relief of TMJ. Let’s find out more about TMJ Disorders through this article by Ridgetop Dental.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) is a multifaceted musculoskeletal disorder that affects temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and facial nerves. It may be caused due to physical stress on the structures around the joint.
Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
According to the experts at Ridgetop Dental’s centre for Potomac Dentistry, symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
·         pain in or around ear
·         headaches and neck pain
·         tenderness of the jaw
·         jaw pain when chewing, biting or yawning
·         difficulty opening and closing the mouth
·         clicking or popping sounds when biting or speaking
·         sensitive teeth with no known cause

What causes TMJ?

·         Arthritis
·         Jaw dislocation or injury
·         Bite disorders
How can the experts at Ridgetop Dental help treat my TMJ disorder?
Diagnosis is an important step for treatment of this disorder.
Ridgetop Dental’s expert dentists may take x-rays and make a cast of your teeth to see how your bite fits together; your medical history may be reviewed.
Your dentist may also recommend one of the following:
Treat the pain. This is done by resting the joint, prescribing pain killers or applying moist heat to the painful areas.
Night guard. Your dentist may prescribe a night guard to prevent your teeth from grinding during sleep.
Fix poorly aligned teeth. Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist to correct teeth alignment.

TMJ disorders can be successfully treated by the right diagnosis and lifestyle changes. So, talk to an experienced dentist at Ridgetop Dental today to properly diagnose your condition and find the best route to treat your problem. Apart from TMJ disorders if you need other expert services such as invisalign, braces, dentures or dental implants in Leesburg VA, contact the offices of Ridgetop Dental, by visiting- http://www.ridgetopdental.com/