Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment at Chatswood Dental Associates
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a type of sleeping disorder that affects almost a million Australians. It’s characterised by pauses in breathing that last 10 seconds or more, causing slight rousing throughout the night.
Although a person with OSA does not remember their multiple awakenings, the interrupted sleep can cause serious health problems. OSA has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and is also a frequent contributor to work- and driving-related accidents.
What Causes OSA?
While you sleep, all of your muscles relax, including those that control your tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your mouth may sag, narrowing and constricting the airway.
This condition often presents as snoring, which is certainly an annoyance, but not everyone who snores has OSA. If, however, the snoring is accompanied by gasping and choking sounds, OSA should be suspected.
Sometimes, the only outer sign of OSA is a constant feeling of exhaustion or fatigue throughout the day, even if you appear to have had plenty of sleep.
Risk factors for OSA include obesity, a large neck circumference, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, nasal congestion, and a family history of the condition. If left untreated, OSA can significantly impact overall health and quality of life.
Diagnosing OSA
If you snore or are excessively tired throughout the day – or your partner reports pauses in your breathing while you sleep – ask for a referral to a sleep physician. This specialist will conduct the necessary tests to determine whether OSA is present as well as its severity.
Treating OSA With C-Pap and SomnoMed®
One of the most effective treatments for OSA is C-PAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy, which is the first-line treatment for moderate to severe OSA.
For mild OSA, an oral appliance like SomnoMed may be more appropriate. As a global leader in oral appliance design and manufacture, SomnoMed offers clinically proven solutions that enhance airflow and promote better sleep.
SomnoMed devices are custom-made to gently reposition the lower jaw, keeping the airway open during sleep. These comfortable, in-mouth devices allow full mouth functionality. Here’s why we chose to offer SomnoMed at our practice:
- Comfort and fit: Designed for a snug, comfortable fit while effectively reducing breathing disturbances.
- Functionality: Allows natural mouth movement so you can talk, drink, and open or close your mouth with ease.
- Customisation: Adjustable positioning ensures an effective, tailored treatment.
SomnoMed is successful in cases of mild OSA. Oral appliances can also help reduce snoring that’s not associated with OSA, allowing you and your partner to have a more restful sleep. If you snore, however, it’s crucial to speak to your doctor to be sure to rule out sleep apnoea.
You Deserve a Restful Night’s Sleep
You Deserve a Restful Night’s Sleep
Our dentists are passionate about helping you live a healthy life. Contact us today to see if a dental sleep appliance at Chatswood Dental Associates, like SomnoMed, is an appropriate treatment for you. We want to help you get the sound slumber you need and deserve!
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.