Treatment for Sleep Apnoea and Snoring, Hervey Bay
Snoring and sleep apnoea are two conditions that reduce the quality of a person’s sleep. In the case of snoring, the sleep quality of others in the household may also be affected. These conditions can also pose a risk to the person’s health and well-being.
What is sleep apnoea, and how is it related to snoring?
The most common form of sleep apnoea is obstructive sleep apnoea or OSA. It occurs when the muscles of the throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to become narrow or even close completely.
Breathing through a narrowed airway can cause loud vibrations in the throat, commonly called snoring.
No air can get into the lungs if the airway is completely obstructed. An obstructive episode can last for 10-60 seconds. The lack of oxygen arouses the brain from sleep long enough for breathing to start again. Most people with OSA aren’t aware of these wakeful episodes, even though there may be dozens or hundreds each night. But the fragmented sleep can cause daytime fatigue, affecting concentration and ability to perform tasks.
OSA can also lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. It is, therefore, essential to seek a diagnosis of chronic tiredness or snoring so that effective treatment can be provided.
Why do dentists ask me about how well I’m sleeping?
There is now plenty of evidence to show that sleep is essential for good health and well-being. And because we’re concerned about your health, our dentist, Dr Nick White, will ask you about sleep when you attend your check-up.
A dentist can’t diagnose sleeping disorders but can refer patients to appropriately qualified medical practitioners if they suspect a problem. Some dentists, like Dr Nick, work closely with sleep specialists to provide treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring.
The role of the sleep specialist
A sleep specialist is a doctor who can diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They may order a sleep study to assess the cause of snoring or tiredness. If sleep apnoea is confirmed, the sleep specialist will gauge the severity.
Severe OSA is usually treated with a CPAP machine.
If the diagnosis is mild to moderate sleep apnoea, the specialist may recommend a Mandibular Advancement Splints. These specialised appliances are similar to mouthguards and are worn at night.
These appliances move and hold the bottom jaw forward during sleep. This change in posture moves the tongue away from the back of the mouth, thus opening up the airways. Wearing such an appliance every night can help address both snoring and OSA.
How can a dentist help you get a good night’s sleep?
Because they are worn in the mouth, Mandibular Advancement Splints must be custom-fitted by appropriately trained dentists. Dr Nick uses the SomnoMed range of appliances.
Somnomed appliances are well-tolerated by most patients. There are several different styles, and Dr Nick works with the medical team to determine which is likely to work best for each patient.
How many appointments am I likely to need?
In our practice, fitting a Mandibular Advancement Splint is completed over three appointments.
The first appointment involves a consultation where you can
- discuss your condition with Dr Nick
- ask questions about the treatment.
An impression will be taken and sent to a specialised laboratory during your next appointment.
Two weeks later, at the third appointment, Dr Nick will fit your appliance and show you how to take care of it.
Resources
Learn more about OSA on the Sleep Health Foundation website.
Good sleep is essential for good health
We value good health and recognise that quality sleep is an essential ingredient. That’s why we’re excited to be able to offer this valuable service to Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast locals.
Making an appointment at White Dental Co. is easy!
Call us (07) 4313 1777 during business hours or book online.
Or drop by to make a time at Suite 10 Madsen Medical, 17 Hershel Court, Hervey Bay 4655
