Treating Sleep Apnea
Few people realize the risks and widespread occurrence of sleep apnea, a disease that is often overlooked and underdiagnosed. It is much more common than many realize, so we here at Yazdani Family Dentistry in Kanata & Kemptville would like to shed more light on the ailment.
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BEYOND SNORING, IT’S A HEALTH HAZARD
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when you least expect or aren’t even conscious to notice it. When asleep at night, your tongue may tend to drop and end up blocking your airway. This is the basic definition of sleep apnea, which is diagnosed when the airway has been blocked for 20 seconds or more (and occurs several times per hour). As an example, someone who has mild sleep apnea could stop breathing for at least 20 seconds five to 15 times per hour. There are more severe cases of sleep apnea when this would occur at over 30 times per hour — over 200 times in a typical 8-hour night.
Only around 20 percent of people who have sleep apnea have been accurately diagnosed with it, usually because we don’t ever think that we have it in the first place. Therefore, sometimes the disease is harder to detect in patients who don’t experience more typically severe symptoms.
CPAP MACHINES AND THE ALTERNATIVES
How We Treat Sleep Apnea
There are two ways to treat sleep apnea. One is via the use of a CPAP machine, which is a technology that has been around for several years and is considered the gold standard. However, many patients refuse to or stop wearing it and therefore aren’t treated. At Yazdani Family Dentistry, however, we have an alternative if you are uncomfortable with using a traditional CPAP machine.
As dentists, we examine and access the mouths and airways of patients to accurately identify risks and problem areas. We’re very familiar with the symptoms of sleep apnea, with even some of our own team members diagnosed with the disease. We can either refer you to a sleep study clinic or provide you with a self-administered diagnostic device to use at home. While most individuals are referred to a local hospital for an overnight study, the equipment we use enables for more streamlined and comfortable treatment. These home devices are determined to be highly accurate, ideally suited to mild or moderate cases. For more severe instances of sleep apnea, we still suggest that you reconsider CPAP machines as patients with such symptoms are at a higher risk.
DO YOU REQUIRE
Emergency Dental Services?
Our clinics offer same-day appointments for your emergencies. If you need a dentist to help you in a crisis, please do not hesitate — call us right away!
SLEEP APNEA RELIEF IN KANATA & KEMPTVILLE
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea &
Candidates for Treatment
Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed, leaving many who don’t even know that they have the disease at risk every night they go to sleep. At Yazdani Family Dentistry, we can help with a range of treatment solutions, professional and knowledgeable service, and a commitment to your well-being.
- Do you snore loudly?
- Do you often feel tired, fatigued or sleepy during the day time?
- Do you have or are being treated for high blood pressure?
- Do you have a BMI over 35 (weight in kg, divide by height in meters, then divide again by height in meters)?
- Neck circumference > 16 inches?
- Are you male?
If you answered “Yes” to 3 or more questions above, you might be at risk. Contact us today to book an appointment.
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
What are the Common Symptoms?
Only a dentist can determine 100% whether you need a root canal or not. But there are some telltale symptoms that can indicate a problem:
- Persistent pain around the mouth area
- Discolouration of teeth
- Painful to touch
- Chipped or cracked area
- eating or drinking hot or cold items
- Swollen area or tenderness of gums
- A loose tooth
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or pain and discomfort, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our dedicated dental team at Costello Family Dentistry has years of professional experience, providing root canal treatments that are gentle, fast, and effective.
We can take a look, determine the cause and the best course of treatment to eliminate the pain and restore your teeth for a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions, naturally, about the wide range of dental services we perform here at our Kanata & Kemptville dental clinics. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Don't see yours answered here? Feel free to reach out to Yazdani Family Dentistry.
Sleep apnea can lead to:
- Low energy and reduced productivity at work.
- Irritability, anxiety and mood swings.
- Type 2 Diabetes due to the inability to regulate insulin.
- Hypertension caused by the heart exerting itself more to pump oxygen through the body at night.
There are a great deal of myths surrounding side effects people experience while using a CPAP machine, but they are only myths. There is no scientific evidence of CPAP machines causing any sort of side effects. That is why they are considered the gold standard in sleep apnea treatment.
CPAP machines only manage the root cause of sleep apnea, not cure it. Some people believe that continuous use of a CPAP machine for a long period of time will cure sleep apnea. This causes them to stop using the machine as soon as they feel relieved of their symptoms. They often find their symptoms return before long. Before stopping use of a CPAP machine, it is important to consult with your physician or sleep coach, even if your symptoms have decreased or disappeared.
