Sleep Apnea Treatment
Advanced Sleep Apnea Treatment in Alexandria for Children and Adults
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects breathing during sleep and can significantly impact cardiovascular health, cognitive function, energy levels, and overall quality of life. At Green Dental of Alexandria, sleep apnea treatment is led by Dr. Hye Park, DMD, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a distinction that reflects advanced training in dental sleep medicine beyond traditional general dentistry.
Dr. Park has completed extensive education in airway-centered dentistry, TMD therapy, and sleep-disordered breathing, allowing her to evaluate both children and adults for obstructive sleep apnea and related airway conditions. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, our approach focuses on identifying contributing anatomical and functional factors, including jaw development, airway restriction, and bite alignment.
Patients from Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities trust our practice for comprehensive, evidence-based sleep apnea treatment options designed to improve breathing, sleep quality, and long-term health. If you or your child experiences loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, daytime fatigue, headaches, or difficulty concentrating, a professional airway evaluation may be an important next step.
Sleep Apnea Causes
When you are asleep, the throat muscles naturally relax to a certain extent. For sufferers of sleep apnea, this can lead to a constriction of the airway. The tongue can also contribute to sleep apnea symptoms by dropping back and impeding normal breathing. Sleep disruption is a common side effect of sleep apnea, which lowers oxygen levels. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
People who frequently snore are highly likely to also suffer from sleep apnea. Feeling lethargic after a full night’s sleep is another common warning sign. Other indications of sleep apnea may include choking during sleep, regularly waking up with a dry mouth, or being made aware of symptoms by a partner or family member.
Pediatric Sleep Apnea
Sleep deprivation resulting from sleep apnea can manifest in several ways. Compromised concentration, behavioral issues, an inability to focus, and poor school grades are often secondary effects of sleep apnea. The Healthy Start oral appliance is an effective treatment for sleep apnea that is suitable for children. This treatment method is recommended by Green Dental, as it results in the permanent expansion of the airway. Children will feel refreshed after a full night’s sleep and related symptoms will likely disappear.
Adult Sleep Apnea
Health complications such as high blood pressure and heart problems are closely linked to sleep apnea in adults. At Green Dental of Alexandria, Dr. Park can provide an oral appliance that is individualized to the patient’s specific needs. The appliance works by ensuring the lower jaw is held in a forward position, which keeps the airway open during sleep.
Green Dental of Alexandria has advanced dental technology and we offer innovative and non-invasive solutions, including The Vivos® System and NightLase® laser treatment for snoring and sleep apnea.
If you value your health and quality of life, seek intervention to eliminate sleep apnea symptoms with a free consultation at Green Dental. Contact us today to book your time with Dr. Hye Park.