Sleep Apnoea and Snoring in Parramatta

The effects of sleep apnoea can cause or has been linked to the following serious compilations:

• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Drowsiness – which can lead to accidents and more
• Diabetes
• Arrhythmia
• Heart Attack
• Lung Hypertension
• Memory Loss and Dementia
• Headaches

Diagnosing Sleep Apnoea

As sleep apnoea occurs while you are sleeping deeply, you will need to have a sleep study test performed by a sleep physician. To have treatment with Painfree Dentistry, you will need to have a professional study that can properly diagnose the condition. Sleep studies can be done in a hospital or at home. We can discuss concerns with you, but you will need confirmation of sleep apnoea before we begin treatment.

Sleep Apnoea Treatment Solutions

There are different treatment options available. We can discuss any of these with you and work with you to find the perfect solution. Common treatments for sleep apnoea can include:

SomnoDent® Devices – This is for mild and moderate cases. It is a dental device that you wear while sleeping. It will open your airway and stop the soft tissue from collapsing during sleep. It stops snoring and the obstruction process from occurring.

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure – This treatment is for more severe cases and involves using a device with a mask, tubes and a fan. The device enables air to pass through your airway without any obstruction. This is an effective treatment that is non-invasive. Some patients have been known to struggle to sleep with the mask; however, the new technology is light, comfortable and quiet.

Surgical Procedure – In very extreme cases, sleep apnoea can be treated with surgery. If this is something you need, your dentist will discuss this in-depth with you.

Snoring occurs when we sleep. Some people do not snore, while others may snore quietly, with more severe cases snoring very loudly. If you or someone you know is suffering from snoring or you are concerned about a sleep disorder, you are in the right place. This section will give you important information about snoring and sleep apnoea.

What Is Snoring?

Snoring is caused by vibrations in the respiratory structure. It occurs when we sleep because this is the time when a certain area of the nose and back of the throat relaxes. When in this relaxed state, these areas also narrow, which results in the air getting restricted in the air passage. The obstruction is what causes the sound.

What Causes Snoring?

There are many reasons why we snore. These fall into two categories the causes we can control and the ones we can’t.

Common causes of snoring we can control are:

• Smoking – When you smoke, it causes the airway to become inflamed and causes irritation of the nasal passages.
• Weight – If you are overweight, you may have extra fatty tissue in the neck area, which causes snoring.
• Medications – Some medication, such as sleeping pills, can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passage and airways.
• Alcohol – Alcohol causes the brain to respond more slowly, and this relaxed state can cause snoring when we sleep.

Common causes of snoring that we cannot control are:

• Age – When men hit middle age, they can have softer tissue around the neck which causes vibrations, which result in snoring.
• Medical conditions – Some medical conditions such as a narrow throat or cleft palate can result in snoring.
• Allergies and Asthma – These conditions can cause the nasal passages to swell, which can cause snoring.

A common dental issue our dentists treat is grinding and clenching of the teeth. It can be a tricky condition as most patients do not know they are doing it because it occurs during sleep. At Painfree Dentistry we offer an efficient and successful solution to this issue, we offer night guards.

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is a device that is used to stop clenching and grinding of the teeth. Patients generally suffer with this while they are sleeping. The grinding involves the jaw moving backwards and forwards and clenching is when the patient bites down for a long period of time. Night guards are designed to protect your teeth from these actions. It is placed in the mouth on the top teeth and this will act as a layer that will protect both your bottom and top teeth.

Night guards are made of transparent plastic and will create some space in-between teeth which will prevent from them from grinding and clenching together. It is important to know that a night guard won’t stop you from doing the actions while sleeping but will protect the teeth. So, the clenching and grinding will not damage and wear down teeth.

Why Would You Need a Night Guard?

Patients who suffer with Bruxism will be recommended a night guard. This condition involves someone involuntarily grinding and clenching their teeth while they sleep. It is a common condition and can occur when you are stressed. Many people do not even know they have this issue until they feel symptoms or someone hears the grinding noise. A night guard is needed to protect the teeth. Your teeth will be protected from being worn down, being chipped and damage such as cavities.

What to Expect When Having a Night Guard Fitted?

Dentists will first need to examine you to confirm you are suffering with Bruxism. When the treatment begins an impression will be taken of your lower and upper teeth. This will ensure the guard fits perfectly. Then the guard will be moulded and crafted from your impressions. The guards are made from durable but comfortable plastic. Then the guard is finished and can be worn.

Benefits of a Night Guard

A night guard can offer relief of symptoms and more. Here are the main benefits of a night guard.

• A night guard will stop you damaging your teeth
• It will prevent headaches and migraines
• Can prevent jaw issues as the pressure will be relieved
• Stop the aching in your jaws
• Will prevent further damage such as TMD
• You will have a good night’s sleep

How Can the Dentist Help with Snoring or Sleep Apnoea in Parramatta?

Your dentist can offer a variety of treatments for snoring. One common solution is the Mandibular Advancement Device. This holds your lower jaw and tongue in place so your airway can remain open while you sleep. Your dentist will discuss this with you if it is an option, and they can offer advice and treatment solutions. Contact our Parramatta dental clinic to discuss your options.