Are you having trouble sleeping?
You're not alone!
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from a lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea. Chronic snoring problems, interrupted sleep, and exhaustion aren’t just an inconvenience. Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder. It causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing are called apneas, and they can happen hundreds of times each night. Untreated, sleep apnea can prevent you from getting the restful night’s sleep your body needs and cause long-term negative impacts on your health and happiness.
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Understanding Sleep Apnea
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During sleep when the muscles that control the upper airway relax, some people begin to snore. When the airway becomes completely blocked, the person temporarily stops breathing. This is an episode of “Obstructive Apnea.” Each apnea event may last for a few seconds, a couple minutes, or more. Events may happen frequently—even several hundred times a night.
Recent research shows that snoring and sleep apnea are associated with many serious conditions. Left untreated, they are risk factors for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. |
Potential Health Issues from
Untreated Sleep Apnea
Continuously interrupted sleep can result in serious health-related problems.
Potential health issues that may result from untreated sleep apnea include:
Potential health issues that may result from untreated sleep apnea include:
Sleep Apnea Risk Checklist
Use this checklist to find out if you are at risk for Sleep Apnea.
If 4 or more items apply to you, then you need to consult a specialist.
If 4 or more items apply to you, then you need to consult a specialist.
At night, do you…
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During the day, do you…
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At Risk checklist
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Consultation is
Complimentary
Our doctors feel strongly that knowledge and action can improve and save lives. They are offering a no-cost individual 30 minute consultation on sleep breathing disorders. Just click on the link below. Whether it’s loud snoring or other symptoms, make sure you are not at risk for this treatable, potentially life threatening condition. Learn more about sleep apnea and get all of your questions answered.
We have a limited number of consultation times available, so schedule yours as soon as possible. |
At-Home Sleep Test
A comfortable alternative
If, during your consultation, it is suspected that you may suffer from sleep apnea, we will assist you. We will order a convenient and accurate home sleep test designed to assist in the diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. You’ll wear a testing device while sleeping in the comfort of your own bed. A Board Certified Sleep Physician will interpret the data and we will contact you to discuss your results.
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Sleep Apnea Solutions
There are many effective treatments for snoring. A widely accepted treatment for Sleep Apnea is oral appliance therapy. An oral device custom fit by your dentist is designed to keep your airway open and help prevent apneas.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends an oral appliance as a first treatment option for patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is also an option for those with severe OSA who either decline PAP therapy or are unable to successfully use PAP therapy. This treatment helps hundreds of thousands of people all over the world enjoy sleeping safely and a healthier life. Many experience the benefits quickly, often during the first night of use. This treatment does not involve medications or surgeries.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends an oral appliance as a first treatment option for patients with mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is also an option for those with severe OSA who either decline PAP therapy or are unable to successfully use PAP therapy. This treatment helps hundreds of thousands of people all over the world enjoy sleeping safely and a healthier life. Many experience the benefits quickly, often during the first night of use. This treatment does not involve medications or surgeries.
Oral ApplianceThese devices are custom fitted by dentists with special expertise and training in treating sleep apnea. They fit in the mouth, similar to a retainer or mouth guard. They open your airway by moving your lower jaw and tongue forward while you sleep. They are small, comfortable and effective. This treatment does not involve medications or surgeries.
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CPAP DeviceWith Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), patients wear a specialized mask over the nose and face during sleep. The CPAP device delivers a steady supply of air, and keeps the airway open. CPAP treatment can be very effective. The patient must use correctly and consistently. This treatment does not involve medications or surgeries.
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Upper Airway SurgeryThere are several surgical options. Nasal surgery can correct a deviated septum or remove bones in your nose to improve air flow. Surgery may also be performed to remove or reduce the size of the soft palate, uvula and back of the tongue. Surgery is not typically recommended as first line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
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Meet the Doctor
Dr. Shahram Modarres DDS
Dr. Modarres received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He continued his education at NYU College of Dentistry for an additional 4 years. Dr. Modarres has done advanced study in occlusion at the Chesapeake Education Center and implants with the Academy of Implant Dentistry. He attends several courses yearly studying esthetics and restorative dentistry. Dr. Modarres has been named on the Bethesda’s Best 2011 list as best dentist and Washington’s Best 2008 list as best dentist. |
Dr. Modarres has been interested in sleep disorders. He helps patients with alternatives to CPAP. He understands the importance of healthy sleep and is committed to advanced continuing education in the field. Dr. Modarres uses a special sonar-like machine to measure and optimize the opening of the airway. He's a member of American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He enjoys dentistry and finds satisfaction in bringing a couple back to the same bedroom when snoring and apnea keeps them apart. He lives in Potomac, MD with his wife and two kids.