Snoring & Sleep Apnea In Brampton
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening breathing disorder that causes brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. At North Bramalea Dental, Dr. Ibrahimli recognizes the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea, offering tailored solutions such as a dental device for sleep apnea to help manage this condition effectively.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one type of sleep apnea and is characterized by symptoms such as snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, gasping or choking during the night, non-refreshed sleep, fragmented sleep, clouded memory, irritability, personality changes, decreased sex drive, impotence, and morning headaches.
There are several factors that can contribute to OSA, including age, obesity, alcohol consumption, and sedative hypnotics. Children can also experience OSA, often due to enlarged adenoids, tonsils, or swollen nasal mucosa.
If left untreated, snoring and sleep apnea may lead to or worsen:
- Risk of heart attack
- Stroke or pulmonary hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- Anxiety or memory problems
- Migraine headaches and weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Job impairment
- Hyperactivity in children.
Currently, OSA is defined as a medical problem and must be diagnosed by a medical doctor or sleep physician. However, a sleep apnea dentist can help manage mild to moderate cases with oral appliances, offering a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP machines.
In addition to oral appliances, other treatment options for OSA include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and surgical removal of nasal or oral obstructions. At North Bramalea Dental, Dr. Ibrahimli is dedicated to educating patients, the public, and the medical profession about the importance of oral appliances in the treatment of sleep apnea. North Bramalea Dental offers a range of oral appliances tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient, and our team is here to help you get the restful sleep you deserve!
Before fabricating an oral appliance
It is important for patients to first undergo a sleep study at a hospital, private sleep clinic, or through a home sleep study. This will provide detailed information about the patient’s sleep patterns and any breathing disruptions that may be occurring. The results of the sleep study will then be evaluated by a medical sleep specialist, who will determine if an oral appliance is the appropriate treatment option.
Once the medical sleep specialist has reviewed the sleep study and determined that an oral appliance is appropriate, they will send the report to Dr. Ibrahimli, who can then proceed to create the oral appliance tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
Have Dental Problems That Need to be Addressed?
Call 905-793-5900 today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Ibrahimli, here in Brampton. Scheduling you efficiently and helping you with your insurance needs.
Benefits of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Prevention
Oral appliances are a highly effective treatment option for preventing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when the tongue falls back and blocks the air way for ten seconds or more during sleep. This can be especially problematic for patients who sleep on their back, as it makes it easier for the tongue to fallback and obstruct the airway.
Oral appliances work by gently moving the lower jaw and tongue forward, helpingto open the airway and prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking theairway. These appliances are designed to be comfortable and easy to wear, andthey are custom fitted to the patient’s mouth, making them an ideal treatmentoption for those suffering from sleep apnea. With the help of an oral appliance,patients can finally achieve the restful sleep they need to feel refreshed andenergized throughout the day!
Types of Oral Appliances:
Panthera Appliance:
SomnoDent Appliance:
This oral appliance also has upper and lower parts that fit comfortably over theteeth. The lower jaw is held forward with two interlocking parts on the side(Dorsal Fins) that allow for jaw movement. The patient can adjust the appliance byturning two side screws, which will help reduce snoring and sleep apnea.Adjustments should be made slowly, with a minimal increment of ¼ mm every 3days, to avoid any jaw joint problems. The SomnoDent is highly durable and isexpected to last for 10 years or more. It also has adequate tongue space and alarge space at the front for mouth breathing.
If you think you or someone you know may have obstructive sleep apnea, please call North Bramalea Dental at 905-793-5900 to learn how Dr. Ibrahimli, a sleep apnea dentist, can help you achieve restful sleep with the right treatment plan.
