Obstructive Sleep apnoea or OSA affects millions of people every year, but since it occurs at night while you sleep, people are unaware they are suffering and therefore goes undiagnosed. Signs and symptoms include unrefreshed sleep, daytime sleepiness, depression, morning headaches and going to the toilet frequently throughout the night. For many, gagging or gasping for air at times whilst sleeping or loud snoring is common.
An apnoeic event lasts for 10 seconds or more at a time. Your brain signals the body that there is a lack of oxygen and adrenalin is released and you arouse, this is where you may gasp for breath. Your airway will open the obstruction in your throat and you will begin breathing again. In patients with OSA this process will repeat itself repeatedly through the night. In some very severe cases people can stop breathing for as much as 40 seconds over 60 times an hour.
The combination of low oxygen levels and consistent, disturbed, and interrupted sleep can causes the patient to feel exhausted throughout the day, but in some cases the patient does not even know how bad their sleep really is. It is vital that if you have any symptoms you have a sleep study to assess your risk of sleep disordered breathing; as the ill effects of OSA can contribute to a host of very serious health concerns like cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack.
Those that suffer an increased risk of suffering from Sleep Apnoea are males who are moderately to severely overweight, and those over the age of 40. But almost anyone can suffer; even petite women and children. This potentially life threatening disease is a lot more common than generally expected and should be taken very seriously.
Repetitive airway collapse can lead to large pressure fluctuations in the lungs and oxygen deficiency which places stress on the heart and cardiovascular system. Consequently in people with OSA, the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and cardiovascular mortality is increased as is diabetes. Therefore it’s imperative that once diagnosed with OSA you are adequately treated.
The strains on a person’s body from arousing over and over due to lack of oxygen, as much as 500 times a night; inhibit them from getting the refreshing sleep they need. Not only is OSA a major, often unrecognized, cause of daytime sleepiness, it can also be an associated risk factor for very serious medical conditions:
If you or a loved one snores, the problem can be more than just a social embarrassment. Historically those who were afflicted with the condition were left to live out their restless lives without a treatment solution. There are many non-surgical alternatives to traditional snoring and Sleep apnoea therapies. Sleep disorders, if left untreated, can result in a host of serious negative side effects to your overall health and mental well-being.
For those who suffer with Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep apnoea, or in more Severe cases where CPAP is not tolerated an oral device such SomnoDent may be suitable. SomnoDent is a clinically proven and effective device for treating Obstructive Sleep apnoea and Snoring. This device is worn while you sleep and works to open your airway by bringing the lower jaw and effectively the base of your tongue forward away from the soft palate stopping the upper airway from collapsing during sleep, keeping the airway open reduces or eliminates the snoring and apnoea events.
When considering this form of treatment, it is very important to get a consultation and be fitted by an accredited dental professional with advanced training in treating sleep related breathing disorders with oral devices.
Comfort and the ability for the device to stay in place are critical to treatment success. Clinical research has proven that custom made adjustable are much more effective than a one size fits all device that can be purchased online or over the counter. You will be wearing your oral device every night for a long time. It is an investment in your health, you want it to be effective and comfortable, so you get a restful night’s sleep.
When you purchase an oral device treatment plan, the cost will include all the consultations to fit and possibly adjust the device to help secure a better fit and ensure its working properly. It is also important to return for regular 6 monthly visits to prevent any dental problems from occur occurring over time.
These devices are covered by health insurance under item number #984. There are also numerous other item numbers involved in the treatment plan to fit an oral device for obstructive sleep apnoea so ask your dentist to give you an idea of costs and the item numbers involved so you can find out what you will be reimbursed from your fund.
If you think you or a loved one currently suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or any other sleep condition and would like to receive snoring treatments at our clinic, please call us immediately at (02) 4369 0165 or use the form to contact us.
For any general enquiries, feel free to get in touch with us using the below contact form. Alternatively, you can contact us on (02) 4369 0165.
At Empire Bay Dental, we are proud to offer years of experience in comprehensive dental care services for the entire family.
For any general enquiries, feel free to get in touch with us using the below contact form. Alternatively, you can contact us on (02) 4369 0165.
Please note that our office hours may vary on public holidays. If you have any questions about our opening hours, we encourage you to contact our team on (02) 4369 0165. Alternatively, you can email us at reception@empirebaydental.com.au
Late appointments available on request.
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