Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea & Dental Appliance Therapy in Stittsville, ON

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder defined by interrupted breathing. To preserve your rest, oral health, and overall quality of life, Villanova Dental Studio is here to serve as your guide. Discover premier sleep apnea dental appliance therapy with our team in Stittsville, Kanata, and Ottawa, ON.

Discover Effective Sleep Disorder Treatments

Sleep apnea not only prohibits restful sleep but can also significantly damage systemic and oral health. Professional intervention is paramount to mitigate the effects of this sleep disorder. Alleviate the strain and associated risks of sleep apnea by partnering with Villanova Dental Studio for effective sleep disorder treatment.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterised by interrupted breathing during sleep. These breathing pauses can occur multiple times per rest period, lasting between a few seconds and a full minute. It can be challenging to self-identify sleep apnea, causing many to overlook symptoms and only seek help due to a partner’s insistence.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea on Oral Health

Untreated sleep apnea is linked to excessive snoring and numerous health concerns. Among these concerns is the impact sleep apnea can have on one’s oral health. Sleep apnea is often associated with the following oral health conditions:

• Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding or clenching
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders)
• Dry mouth

Sleep Apnea & Bruxism

Bruxism, also known as tooth grinding or clenching, is commonly associated with sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea may subconsciously counteract the soft palate or tongue relaxation that causes obstructed airflow by clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth. Unfortunately, this can lead to tooth wear and fractures, facilitating the development of decay and cavities.

Sleep Apnea & Dry Mouth

Sleep apnea often causes individuals to sleep with an open mouth. This not only triggers a greater risk of excessive snoring but can also foster the development of dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that can make you more susceptible to decay, cavities, periodontitis, and infections that cause uncomfortable mouth sores.

Sleep Apnea & TMJ Disorders

Sleep apnea is associated with TMJ disorders. The temporomandibular joint is the connective link between the jaw and the skull. Sleep apnea can compromise this joint, resulting in relentless jaw pain, decreased jaw function, challenges when eating or speaking, and chronic headaches.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is not a condition that only affects one demographic. While it is most common amongst older men, there are several risk factors that increase the chance of developing this sleep disorder, including:

• Adults over 40
• Congestive heart failure
• Smoking, tobacco, or narcotics use
• Regular alcohol consumption
• Weight problems/obesity
• Chronic nasal congestion
• Those who’ve had a stroke

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you are at risk for sleep apnea or believe to be experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, it’s imperative to consult with your dentist. At Villanova Dental Studio, we provide tailored sleep apnea treatments that align with diverse patient requirements.

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is an umbrella term. There are three specific types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form. It is defined by a partial or complete upper airway blockage during sleep, causing sleep interferences, reduced oxygen flow to vital organs, and heart rhythm inefficiencies.

Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea derives from an airway blockage caused by the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapsing during sleep. This condition does not always cause noticeable sleep disturbances. In most cases, the individual’s partner or roommate first detects obstructive sleep apnea. 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms vary from one person to the next. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Snoring
• Daytime fatigue
• Restlessness during the night
• Gasping or choking sensations during sleep
• Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
• Sweating during sleep
• Sexual dysfunction
• Frequent headaches
• Intellectual challenges, including forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and mood swings

The Effects of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is more than a sleep disturbance. In fact, when left untreated, this condition can increase the likelihood of various medical concerns and cognitive impairments that elevate the risk of injury or accident. Sleep apnea is commonly associated with:

• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Arrhythmias
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attacks
• Diabetes

Oral Dental Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

At Villanova Dental Studio, we leverage the latest dental innovations to treat mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. We provide several types of oral dental appliance therapy. These treatments involve custom-made appliances that serve to reposition the jaw or hold the tongue in place to keep the airway clear.

Our Comprehensive Oral Dental Appliance Therapy Process

At Villanova Dental Studio, oral dental appliance therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose and assess the severity of your condition. We provide personalised oral appliance recommendations and help you understand your options before moving on to appliance fitting. We also schedule follow-up appointments to continuously monitor the success of treatment.

The Side Effects & Risks of Dental Appliance Therapy

Adjusting to oral dental appliance therapy takes time. However, if symptoms persist, it’s important to contact Villanova Dental Studio right away. The potential risks of oral dental appliance therapy include:

• Changes in the bite
• Jaw, teeth, or TMJ disorder pain
• Loose teeth
• Damaged restorative dental work
• Excess saliva/drooling
• Dry mouth

The Benefits of Oral Dental Appliance Therapy

For most patients, the benefits of oral dental appliance therapy significantly outweigh the potential risks. These benefits include:

• Sleep apnea symptom improvements
• Reduced or eliminated snoring
• Simple to use, quiet, and easy to travel with
• Excellent alternative for those who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy
• Does not require electricity

When to Call the Doctor

If you’re considering sleep apnea treatment, you may be wondering where to begin. Start by contacting your physician and Villanova Dental Studio to learn more about the process, benefits, and potential outcomes. We recommend asking about the associated costs, insurance coverage, and device maintenance to get an understanding of what you can expect from treatment.

Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment

Overcome sleep apnea with compassionate care and advanced oral dental appliance therapy. Villanova Dental Studio is here to preserve and enhance your oral health and quality of life with safe and effective sleep disorder therapies in Stittsville, Kanata, and Ottawa, ON. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.