Sleep Apnoea
Are you snoring excessively? Do you have regular morning headaches or feel sleepy during the day? If so, you may well be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Our dentists at Molonglo Dental Surgery can provide dental solutions for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea that help to curb your snoring problem and give you the restful nights your body badly needs.
Although Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is generally associated with snoring, there are actually many signs and symptoms that are tied to the sleeping disorder, many of which occur as a result of disrupted sleep. Before delving into the causes and symptoms of OSA, and how dentists can help the condition, it is important to first define condition and its well-documented effects.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
A potentially dangerous sleeping disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) causes the sufferer’s breathing to be interrupted by repeated pauses during sleep.
OSA is one of two categories of the sleep apnoea condition, the other being Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA). While the latter sleeping disorder is usually caused by medical conditions – that disrupts the patient’s neurological ability to guide the breathing-related muscles – Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is caused by complete or partial blockage of the airways during sleep.
Accounting for 90 – 96% of all sleep apnoeas, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (or Obstructive Sleep Apnea) is the more common type. The condition can be assessed and determined by studying the results from an overnight sleep study, also known as a Polysomnograph.
Sleep apnoea is a potentially serious disorder that causes the sufferer’s breathing to be interrupted by repeated pauses during sleep. An apnoea, which literally translates as “without breath”, refers to completely obstructed breathing. In clinical terms, sleep apnoea is the condition that causes the sufferer’s airflow to be reduced for about 10 seconds or more.
Although Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Central Sleep Apnoea can both cause serious health issues, the Dental Appliance Solution can only treat OSA. Left untreated, OSA can lead to significant health issues including High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Diabetes, Excessive Daytime Fatigue (that can result in motoring accidents).
What can a Dentist do to help with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
If your sleep physician has recommended Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) as a suitable treatment option, Molonglo Dental Surgery is equipped with the right expertise, experience and dental solutions to help with your OSA condition.
Mandibular Advancement Splint/Device (MAS/MAD
We offer an extensive range of anti-snoring solutions including the popular Mandibular Advancement Splint/Device (MAS/MAD).
The splint is worn on the teeth – similar to wearing a mouth guard – during sleep. The Mandibular Advancement Device helps to prevent the soft tissue from blocking the airway and hindering normal breathing patterns.
Offering a painless and non-invasive treatment for OSA, the TGA-approved oral device is extremely safe with proven effectiveness in the treatment of mild to moderate OSA, in addition to reducing the intensity and frequency of snores.
Did you know that you can treat Obstructive Sleep Apnoea with a Quality, Custom-fitted Dental Appliance?
For more information on our Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA treatment, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
