Many patients are unaware that obstructive sleep apnea is considered a dental concern. However, we see many patients who deal with the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in our Kanata, ON dental office. Dr. Ami Barakat is an obstructive sleep apnea expert and is happy to recommend solutions to help you manage your sleep apnea. Here is some additional information on how Dr. Barakat helps patients with sleep apnea:

Diagnosis

It can be difficult for patients to recognize that they are suffering from sleep apnea because the number one symptom is loud snoring while unconscious. If you have a sleep partner, roommate, or even a neighbor who has complained about not being able to sleep because of your snoring, this is a good sign that you should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an excess of soft tissues in your mouth and throat that collapse on themselves while you sleep and prevent you from getting the proper airway you need to breathe. Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can be just the beginning of a long list of other more severe health risks. Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Loud snoring
• Uneasy sleep pattern
• Frequent morning headaches
• Depression or anxiety
• Unexpected weight gain
• Sore throat in the morning
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks

If you experience any of these symptoms, we suggest scheduling an appointment with Dr. Barakat so that he can evaluate your soft tissues and determine what can be done to manage your obstructive sleep apnea.

Treatment Options

Many of our patients who suffer from sleep apnea see the most benefit in utilizing nightguard therapy. Nightguards, which function similarly to sport mouthguards, help hold your jaw in a healthy resting position while you sleep. The nightguard ensures that you will have a proper airway as you sleep and prevents you from snoring. Our office makes nightguards custom to your smile so you don’t have to worry about any discomfort. The nightguard fits snugly and securely over your dental structures to help restore your good night’s sleep. Patients love our nightguards because they are much more compact and easier to utilize and clean than a traditional CPAP machine.

More severe cases of sleep apnea may require the use of a CPAP machine, which requires patients to wear a mask while they’re sleeping. If this is the case, Dr. Barakat can provide recommendations on how to proceed with CPAP therapy to ensure your overall health as well as your peace of mind.

Schedule An appointment

If you suspect you’ve been suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barakat. He has extensive experience in helping his patients manage their sleep apnea symptoms. We look forward to seeing you soon.