Oct
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing cessations when sleeping. People with sleep apnea can wake up several times in a night—without knowing it! Even though the awakenings only happen for 10-20 seconds, they can leave you exhausted even after hours of sleep. Sleep apnea denies your body of sufficient sleep and rest, starting a negativecycle in your overall health.
Red Hill Dental Practice offers sleep apnea treatment in Red Hill, Victoria, to restore optimal sleep and health. Has sleep apnea gotten the better of you? Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Chris Wooldridge and the team for treatment.
Prompt investigation is recommended if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea. Otherwise, without proper treatment, sleep apnea can strain your major organs, putting you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other systematic diseases.
The following is what you need to know about sleep apnea treatments:
Sleep apnea causes pauses in breathing while you sleep. It primarily occurs when the throat muscles relax, leading to a partial or complete airway blockage by soft tissues. Dentists are skilled in treating the most prevalent form of this problem, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
You may occasionally experience central sleep apnea (CSA), which is a condition in which the brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles controlling breathing. Unlike OSA, there is no physical blockage of the airway. Although rare, some patients have complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of OSA and CSA.
If you seek treatment from a medical practitioner, they’ll likely recommend a CPAP machine. This machine uses a mask on your nose and mouth to deliver a constant air stream into your airway. It works well to keep your airway open when sleeping. Unfortunately, this therapy doesn’t work for everyone, and some find the machines uncomfortable and noisy.
Treating sleep OSA doesn’t have to use invasive procedures or cumbersome CPAPs. Our dentists use a small, custom-fitted oral device fabricated based on your bite impressions. This sleep apnea device suppresses the tongue to keep your airway open when sleeping. Some devices also reposition your lower jaw to create space in the airway for healthy breathing.
If you have tried lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy isn’t working for you, a sleep apnea mouthpiece is an excellent solution. The following are the benefits of treating OSA with a customised dental device:
Have you had enough of sleep apnea? It’s time to take control of your sleep and overall health—call (03) 5907 5942 to schedule an appointment at Red Hill Dental Practice.Â
Dr. Emma Barnsley has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years since earning her Bachelor of Dentistry from Sheffield University in 2003. She also holds an MFDS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow. Dr. Emma is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the ICCDE (Orth), and her expertise spans general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. She is particularly focused on optimizing children’s dental development. Dr. Emma is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and stays committed to continuous professional development to ensure the best outcomes for her patients.
Dr. Julia Gellatly has over 15 years of dental experience, having graduated with honors from her Bachelor of Dental Science in 2009. She further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s in Forensic Medicine from Monash University in 2020, becoming a certified Forensic Odontologist. Dr. Julia is known for her expertise in restorative and pediatric dentistry, with a special focus on alleviating anxiety in patients. She is recognized for her thorough patient education and gentle approach, ensuring informed, comfortable care. Her continuous pursuit of professional growth underscores her dedication to excellence and patient trust.
Dr. Chris Wooldridge is a highly skilled dentist with extensive post-graduate training, including a diploma in Advanced General Dentistry and a Mastership in Implantology from Melbourne University. With years of experience, he is an active member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the Australasian Osseointegration Society, and the International Team for Implantology. Dr. Chris is dedicated to offering advanced, evidence-based treatments and regularly undertakes professional development. His commitment to patient care, education, and the latest techniques ensures a high standard of dental care and fosters trust and confidence in his patients.
With two decades of experience, Skye Greenhill is a highly qualified dental therapist who graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2004. She holds a postgraduate certificate in dental therapy (advanced clinical practice), which she completed in 2010. Skye is recognized for her expertise in pediatric and young adult care, and she prioritizes reducing dental anxiety through patient-centered approaches. She has also served as a clinical demonstrator at The University of Melbourne. She stays current with the latest practices through regular professional development, ensuring trustworthy and high-quality care for all her patients.
Dr. Paul Gleeson has over 35 years of dental experience, with expertise in general, cosmetic, restorative, and surgical dentistry. A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Paul is highly skilled in implant planning and placement. He is a respected member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and the VDEAS Study Group. Known for his commitment to tailored patient care, Dr. Paul stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry, ensuring his treatments are of the highest standard. His long-standing experience and dedication to excellence make him a trusted name in dental care.
Dr. Raoul Harrison has over 40 years of experience, having graduated from Melbourne University in 1983. He has extensive expertise in oral surgery, implant placement, and wisdom tooth removal, with advanced training from Zurich and Boston. Dr. Raoul has been placing implants since 1997 and is a member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA), the International Team for Implantology, and the International Association of Dental Traumatology. His dedication to continued education and collaboration within his field makes him a highly authoritative and trusted professional in oral surgery and implantology.