Sleep Apnea Treatment at Polygems Dental Care

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. This can lower the oxygen level in your blood and disrupt your sleep quality. There are two main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): This occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and block your airway during sleep. This is the most common type of sleep apnea and can cause loud snoring.
• Central sleep apnea (CSA): This occurs when your brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep.

Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but some factors that increase your risk are:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a large neck, tongue, tonsils, or uvula
• Having a deviated septum or nasal congestion
• Having a family history of sleep apnea
• Being male, older, or postmenopausal
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using sedatives
• Having certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke

What are the Symptoms and Complications of Sleep Apnea?

Some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea are:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep — which would be reported by another person
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Having a headache in the morning
• Feeling sleepy, tired, or irritable during the day
• Having trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Experiencing mood swings or depression

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack or stroke
• Irregular heartbeat
• Diabetes
• Liver problems
• Erectile dysfunction

Sleep apnea can also affect your quality of life and performance at work, school, or social activities.

How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

To diagnose sleep apnea, your dentist at Polygems Dental Care will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They will also examine your mouth and throat for any signs of obstruction. They may also refer you to a sleep specialist for further testing.

The most common test for sleep apnea is polysomnography (PSG), which is a sleep study that measures your brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and breathing pattern during sleep. You may have to spend a night at a sleep center or do the test at home with a portable device.

Another test for sleep apnea is a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), which is a simplified version of PSG that you can do at home with a device that records your breathing and oxygen level during sleep. This test may be suitable for people who have a high risk of OSA and no other medical conditions.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

The treatment of sleep apnea depends on the type, severity, and cause of your condition. Some of the common treatment options are:

Lifestyle Changes

You can improve your symptoms and health by making some changes in your daily habits, such as:

• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
• Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and sedatives
• Sleeping on your side or elevating your head
• Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care
• Using nasal sprays or strips to clear your nose

Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are devices that you wear in your mouth during sleep to keep your airway open. They work by moving your lower jaw forward or holding your tongue in place. They are custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth and teeth.

Oral appliances are usually recommended for people who have mild to moderate OSA and cannot tolerate other treatments. They are also effective for people who have OSA due to jaw problems or tongue position.

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy

PAP therapy is the most common and effective treatment for OSA. It involves using a machine that delivers pressurized air through a mask that covers your nose or mouth. The air pressure keeps your airway open and prevents it from collapsing during sleep.

There are different types of PAP machines, such as:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): This delivers a constant level of air pressure throughout the night.
• Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP): This adjusts the air pressure according to your breathing pattern and needs.
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP): This delivers two different levels of air pressure: one for inhalation and one for exhalation.

PAP therapy can also be used for CSA, especially if it is caused by heart failure or opioid use. However, some people with CSA may need a more advanced PAP machine that can detect and stimulate your breathing.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for people who have severe OSA and do not respond to other treatments. Surgery aims to remove or reduce the tissue that blocks your airway, such as the tonsils, adenoids, uvula, or soft palate. Surgery may also involve correcting the shape or size of the nose, jaw, or tongue.

Surgery is usually considered as a last resort and may have risks and complications. Therefore, it is important to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of surgery with your doctor and dentist before deciding on this option.

Why Choose Polygems Dental Care for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

If you are suffering from sleep apnea and looking for a dental clinic in Yishun & Sengkang that can help you with this condition, you may want to consider Polygems Dental Care. Polygems Dental Care is a dental clinic that offers a wide range of dental services, including sleep apnea treatment. Polygems Dental Care has three branches in Yishun, Sengkang, and Fernvale. You can contact them at 63622204 / 94894439 @Yishun (Y2), [69090888 / 94894439 @Yishun]⁴, or [69090889 / 94894439 @Seletar / Fernvale]⁴. You can also visit their website at www.polygemsdentalcare.com.sg for more information.

Polygems Dental Care is committed to providing quality dental care to their patients in a comfortable and friendly environment. They have a team of experienced and qualified dentists who can handle various dental problems, including sleep apnea. They also use advanced technology and equipment to ensure effective and safe treatment. Whether you need a simple check-up or a complex procedure, Polygems Dental Care can cater to your dental needs.

Don’t let sleep apnea affect your health and well-being. Contact Polygems Dental Care today and book an appointment with one of their dentists. They will assess your condition and recommend the best treatment option for you. With Polygems Dental Care, you can breathe better and sleep better.

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