Sleep Apnea Treatment
Do you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? Have you been suggested a custom nightguard as part of your treatment plan? You need the attention of a highly skilled dentist to custom make and fit your nightguard.
Contact our team today and book an appointment with one of our highly qualified sleep apnea dentists. With our help, you'll be back to enjoying better sleep in no time.
What is Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Do you snore loudly and always feel tired despite ample sleep? You may have a form of sleep apnea. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Repeatedly waking with a headache.
- Experiencing a dry mouth when waking.
- Difficulty staying asleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Waking gasping for air.
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep (as reported by another).
- Feeling constantly confused and irritable.
There are three recognised types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea
where the throat muscles relax and obstruct the airways.Central sleep apnea
when your brain and muscles that control breathing fail to communicate properly during sleep.Complex sleep apnea
syndrome is when an individual suffers from both obstructive and central sleep apnea simultaneously.
What Causes Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is most common in those with excess weight or obesity. This is due to the softening of mouth and throat tissue that goes with weight gain. Other possible causes can include:
- Enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
- Dental conditions such as an overbite.
- Tumours or growths in the airway.
- Genetic conditions which cause low muscle tone or deformities to the jaw and soft palate.
- Smoking.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- The use of sedatives or sleep-inducing medications.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Treatment for sleep apnea will depend on the type of sleep apnea you are diagnosed with. For central sleep apnea, you will likely be advised to use a sleep apnea machine (CPAP). This machine forces air into your airways as you sleep.
For obstructive sleep apnea, a custom fit night guard or occlusal splint is recommended. Custom fit mouthguards have many purposes and are made for wear during sports, to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and support the jaw joint against damage from excessive clenching.
In a sleep apnea setting, a night guard works by pushing the jaw and tongue forward. This keeps your airways open as you sleep. It is important to have this specialised dental mouth guard made by a qualified dentist. A standard mouth guard or split will simply cover and protect your teeth. Wearing it will not help to keep your airways open during the night.
Protect Your Teeth With A Custom Fit Nightguard
Your Cranebrook Dental Clinic
A Friendly Dental Team Headed By Local Cranebrook Dentists
Expert care by highly trained professionals that live in and know your community, our team offers continuity of care for you and your family. From infancy to your golden years, your Cranebrook Dental Clinic is invested in the lifetime of your smile.
Located centrally and easy to find, we are accessible on the ground floor and offer ample parking on site.
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed