Manage Sleep Apnea Disorder with Special Dental Appliances from Our Brampton Dental Office

Sleep apnea is a severe medical condition. As the name suggests, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted several times during sleep. Untreated sleep apnea can be highly detrimental to your health. People with untreated sleep apnea experience bouts of breathlessness during sleep. These bouts of breathlessness can be few and sometimes can occur even hundreds of times during sleep. Breathlessness during sleep means the body, especially the brain, is not receiving enough amount of oxygen. At iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton, our dentists are specialized to treat sleep apnea with specific devices.

TYPES OF SLEEP APNEA

Our dentists at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton enumerate the various types of sleep apnea and its management in this blog.

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of apnea. The blockage of your airways causes this type of sleep apnea. Naturally, the air flows freely from your nose to your windpipes and then to your lungs. However, the windpipe can be blocked during sleep, especially when the soft tissues at the back of your throat collapses. This leads to breathlessness while you sleep. Such a period when breathing stops is known as an apneic episode.

CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA

In contrast to obstructive sleep apnea, in central sleep apnea, the airways are not mechanically blocked. Instead, the brain is incapable of sending appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. This leads to apneic episodes, which is a severe condition.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

Our dentists at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton have created a concise list of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. If you think you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our specialist dentist at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton to get it checked.

• Loud snoring is a primary and most common symptom associated with sleep apnea. If your partner complains about your snoring, it is time to take it seriously, as it can signal sleep apnea.
• Episodes of breathlessness when you sleep. It will be noticeable by another person.
• Having a parched mouth when you wake up.
• Getting morning headaches can also signal sleep apnea.
• The difficulty is maintaining sleep or Insomnia.
• Restlessness during sleep.
• Waking up from sleep to catch a breath is a classical sign in people suffering from sleep apnea.
• Sluggishness and sleepiness during the daytime.
• Night sweats.
• People suffering from sleep apnea are more irritable, forgetful and may suffer from intellectual impairment.
• Poor performance at school or work. This is because of the lack of optimum oxygen during sleep. You never feel rested.
• Excessive yawning.
• Chronic sleep apnea can even lead to learning and behavioural disorders.

These symptoms should not be taken lightly. Chronic sleep apnea hampers everyday life.

WHO IS AT RISK OF SLEEP APNEA?

Although sleep apnea can occur in anyone, our dentist at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton enlisted the various factors that put you at a greater risk of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

• Obesity
• Neck circumference of more than 16 inches.
• Tonsillitis and adenoids narrow your throat.
• Males are two to three more likely to suffer from sleep apnea.
• Sleep apnea occurs significantly more in older individuals.
• Positive family history for sleep apnea.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol and other sedative drugs.
• Smoking also increases your risk of suffering from sleep apnea.
• Medical conditions like congestive heart failure, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease and hormonal disorders.

COMPLICATION OF CHRONIC SLEEP APNEA

Chronic sleep apnea can lead to many serious medical complications. Our dentists are iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton urge you to stay aware of any such difficulties.

• Persist tiredness and daytime fatigue.
• Difficulty in concentrating at work, school or even at social gatherings.
• Hypertension and other cardiac disorders.
• Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin-resistant diabetes.
• It is a complication if you are undergoing a surgical procedure that may require general anaesthesia. Inform your doctors of your diagnosis.
• Liver disorders.
• Sleep-deprived partners or roommates. Loud snoring prevents anyone who sleeps near you from getting a good rest too.

TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA WITH THE HELP OF ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY IN BRAMPTON

At iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton, our dentists can treat obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy or OAT.

Oral appliance therapy in Brampton provided by our dentists at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE is indicated for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy in Brampton is a lower jaw advancement device that prevents the tongue and soft tissues from blocking the throat.

Our dentist at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton will determine if you will benefit from oral appliance therapy with the conjoined consultation from a sleep specialist. Once approved, one of our dentists at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton will make an impression of your teeth. The device will be made, and you will be called for another appointment where you will be taught to wear it and remove it. Our dentist will also give you a morning repositioner to realign your bite after the OAT has been removed. The sleep test is scheduled at regular intervals to check for improvements in sleep apnea.

Oral appliance therapy in Brampton at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE can improve sleep apnea symptoms, like daytime sleepiness, irritability, concentration issues, and reduce snoring. It is easy to get accustomed to, and you can even travel with it.

CONSULT OUR SPECIALIST

Suppose you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or think you might be suffering from sleep apnea. In that case, it’s imperative to get it checked by our specialist at iSMILE DENTAL CENTRE in Brampton to see you are fit for an Oral appliance therapy. If you have any more questions, you can contact us, and one of our fantastic dentists will help you towards better health and sleep.