Sleep apnoea is a common condition that involves disturbed sleep as a result of breathing disruptions.
Apnoea means the absence of breath. In the case of sleep apnoea an individual’s breathing can stop for anywhere between a few and 90 seconds, and they wake briefly. These episodes, which can happen many times a night, are known as an apnoea. The sufferer is often unaware of it happening, and wakes feeling tired.
Sleep apnoea can affect anyone, especially those middle aged or older, who snore, who are overweight and who have sleep apnoea issues in their family. It is not simply a case of snoring or a restless night sleep, and can have serious health consequences if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Finding a solution to your sleep issues
Before deciding how to treat your sleeping issues, it’s important you consult a sleep specialist to understand the cause, properly diagnose your sleep issue and determine the severity of your issue. For this step you will need a referral from your GP.
After you receive a sleep study you can book an appointment with a dentist who specialises in sleep apnoea to discuss your treatment options. If you don’t have a sleep study but believe you are having issues with snoring or sleep apnoea, a qualified dentist in dental sleep medicine can pre-assess you to determine if a sleep study may be required in your individual case, referring you to a sleep specialist if necessary to begin the progression towards alleviating your sleep issues.
Locating a qualified sleep solutions dentist
Our Penrith dentist, Dr Emma Bond, at Tindale Dental Centre, has the expertise and extensive training in dental sleep solutions. She can provide the advice and guidance to find you a suitable treatment option. Dr. Bond is able to treat mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnoea through the prescription of an oral appliance.
Treating sleep apnoea
There are a number of different approaches to the treatment of sleep apnoea depending on how severe it is.
Most importantly you will need to find a treatment that suits you and your lifestyle. Many people with sleep apnoea abandon treatment because of difficulties with it. If one treatment doesn’t work for you, don’t give up; talk to your doctor or dentist about options.
Customer oral appliances
Studies have shown that oral dental appliances are effective, safe and simple treatment options for those suffering mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. Specialised sleep solutions dentists, like Dr. Bond at Tindale Dental, she understands how an oral device should be designed and fitted for your particular shape of mouth. Your tailor-made device will be more effective and more comfortable than if you were to purchase a generic product, therefore helping you with your sleep treatment without requiring a mask or machine.
Please contact our Tindale Dental Centre located in Penrith on tel:(02) 4722 6115 or request an appointment online with Dr Bond to discuss any queries you may have regarding sleep apnoea.