Sleep Apnea: Understand, Diagnose, and Treat Effectively at Clinique Dentaire Dr Rita Issa

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common breathing disorder that involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, can last from a few seconds to more than a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times each night. They disturb the quality of your sleep and, if left untreated, can lead to daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and more serious health issues.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, which blocks the airway during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common, this occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Some people may experience a combination of both types, called complex sleep apnea.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea symptoms can vary, but often include:
Loud and persistent snoring
Breathing pauses
Choking or gasping during sleep
Morning, daytime fatigue
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
Mood swings or irritability
Morning headaches
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
If you experience several of these sleep apnea symptoms, it is important to seek professional evaluation at a sleep apnea clinic.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea, including: Anatomical airway issues
Excess weight
A large neck circumference
Aging
Family history of sleep apnea (as sleep apnea is hereditary, is sleep apnea genetic, or is sleep apnea inherited)
Alcohol or sedative use
Smoking

Sleep Apnea Possible Complications

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications, such as:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Irregular heart rhythms
Depression and anxiety Accidents due to drowsiness at work or on the road

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing sleep apnea typically involves a sleep study, either in a sleep apnea clinic or with a sleep apnea test at home. This test records various body functions during sleep such as brain activity, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate to determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea, as well as its type (obstructive, central, or mixed).

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Sleep apnea treatment depends on the cause and severity. Options may include:

Lifestyle Changes Weight loss: Losing excess weight can greatly reduce or even eliminate apnea episodes. Avoiding alcohol and sedatives: These substances relax throat muscles and increase the risk of airway blockage. Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase inflammation and fluid retention in the airway. Sleep position: Sleeping on your side can help keep your airway open.
CPAP Therapy Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the standard sleep apnea treatment for moderate to severe OSA. It uses a device that delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open. While effective, not all patients tolerate it well.

Oral Appliances: The Mandibular Advancement Device

Custom-made oral appliances, or mandibular advancement devices, are a highly effective sleep apnea treatment for mild to moderate OSA and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, even if the sleep apnea is severe. These devices gently reposition the lower jaw forward to prevent airway collapse during sleep.

The Mandibular Advancement Device is:
Comfortable
Quiet
Easy to travel with
A non-invasive alternative

Surgical Options In some cases, surgery may be recommended to address anatomical causes of airway obstruction. This could involve:
Removal of excess tissue from the throat
Correcting a deviated nasal septum
Jaw repositioning procedures

The Dentist’s Role in Sleep Apnea Treatment

Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine play a crucial role in identifying and treating sleep apnea especially for patients with mild to moderate cases or those who cannot use a CPAP, even if their sleep apnea is severe. With Highly trained, a dentist can custom design and adjust oral appliances to improve breathing during sleep. Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive, user-friendly approach that can significantly improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and decrease health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Why Choose Clinique Dentaire Dr Rita Issa?

At our Montreal sleep apnea clinic, our experienced team works closely with sleep physicians to provide fully personalized care.
Dr Rita Issa, your sleep apnea dentist, takes the time to evaluate your sleep apnea symptoms and find the right sleep apnea treatment for your needs.
Dr Issa offers:
A patient-centered approach
Custom-fitted oral appliances
Detailed follow-ups and adjustments
A commitment to your sleep, health and overall well-being
Our goal is to help you sleep better, feel better, and live a longer and healthier life.

Book a Consultation Today

If you are diagnosed with mild, moderate or severe Sleep Apnea
If you have Sleep Apnea Symptoms but you are not diagnosed yet (such as snoring, morning or daytime fatigue, etc…)
If you do not tolerate the CPAP