Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Forest Lake
Poor sleep can leave you dragging through the day, and loud snoring or restless nights can affect the person sleeping beside you too. If sleep apnoea is a concern, getting properly assessed is the first step. At Lake Dental, Dr Paul Holliday (Dentist) works alongside GPs and sleep physicians to provide custom-fitted mandibular advancement splints for suitable patients with diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the airway partially or fully collapses during sleep, repeatedly interrupting breathing. Common signs can include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep
- Waking up feeling unrefreshed
- Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Moderate-to-severe OSA is associated with an increased risk of conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and depression. Daytime sleepiness associated with OSA can also increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents. (Sleep Health Foundation)
Getting Diagnosed
A diagnosis of OSA requires a sleep study arranged through your GP or a sleep physician. Dr Paul doesn’t diagnose sleep apnoea or perform sleep studies at Lake Dental.
Instead, he works alongside your GP or sleep physician. If you haven’t been assessed yet, a referral can be arranged. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr Paul can discuss whether a mandibular advancement splint may be suitable and manage the dental side of your care in collaboration with your referrer.
What Is a Mandibular Advancement Splint?
A mandibular advancement splint (MAS) is a custom-fitted oral device worn while you sleep. It holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open and may reduce snoring and breathing interruptions.
MAS therapy may be recommended for some people with mild-to-moderate OSA or those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP.
What to Expect
Once a diagnosis is in place, Dr Paul will discuss your needs and assess whether a MAS may be appropriate. A digital scan or impressions are taken to create your custom device. After it’s ready, the splint is fitted and adjusted. Follow-up appointments allow him to check the fit, monitor your teeth and bite, and make adjustments when needed.
Benefits and What to Be Aware Of
A MAS is small and portable and doesn’t involve a mask or hose. For patients who have struggled with CPAP, these practical differences may make it an option worth discussing with their sleep physician.
Possible side effects can include jaw discomfort, dry mouth and changes in tooth position or bite over time. Regular reviews allow Dr Paul to monitor for these changes and adjust the appliance when appropriate.
MAS vs CPAP: Which Is Right for You?
CPAP remains a standard treatment for OSA, particularly moderate-to-severe cases. For some people with mild-to-moderate OSA, or those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP, a MAS may be another treatment option.
The most appropriate approach depends on your diagnosis and individual circumstances and should be discussed with your sleep physician and Dr Paul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a MAS as effective as CPAP?
Will private health cover a MAS?
Ready to Talk About Your Next Step?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and would like to discuss whether a mandibular advancement splint may be an option, schedule a consultation with us today. If you haven’t had a sleep study yet, we can talk you through the referral process and help you understand the next step.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
