Sleep dentistry, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea

If you are struggling with snoring or sleep disorders, you know how it can impact how you feel every day. At Msmiline Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to be full of energy and vitality every day. This is why we provide services for patients diagnosed with conditions such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Let’s examine how our Pierrefonds, Quebec, area dental team can assist with these problems.

What is snoring?

Snoring can be described as the noise produced from the shaking of the respiratory parts due to a partially blocked air pathway. While this is often a prevalent issue, particularly amongst older individuals, it could potentially indicate a more severe health concern.

When addressing obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that leads the sufferer to cease breathing repeatedly throughout the night, the premier solution is undoubtedly the use of a CPAP machine.

Why is a good night’s rest important?

The standard of your slumber significantly impacts your overall health and wellness. Studies have discovered numerous links between the quality and length of sleep and physical, emotional, and mental health. Here’s a brief run-down of these associations:

Physical health: 

  • Tissue Restoration: Your body diligently mends various tissues while you sleep.
  • Cardiac Wellness: Persistent lack of sleep can result in excess weight and hypertension, subsequently impacting heart health.
  • Immunity: Insufficient sleep can impair your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
  • Hormonal Equilibrium: It’s essential to understand that many bodily hormones play key roles in maintaining optimal physical functioning.
  • Weight Increase: Lack of sufficient sleep can trigger overeating and weight gain, facilitated by hormonal changes.

Mental health: 

  • Emotional Wellbeing: Insufficient sleep can result in feelings of irritability, unpredictable mood changes, and can even potentially lead to depression.
  • Memory Consolidation: Adequate sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, turning fleeting short-term memories into lasting long-term ones.

What are sleep-related disorders?

Dr. Ramin Mirmooji and his proficient team, specializing in sleep dentistry, are dedicated to detecting potential risks of sleep-associated breathing issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Through comprehensive oral examinations, our team can identify patients who may have or be at risk of developing these sleep-related breathing disorders. These patients are then referred to expert medical practitioners for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

What can be accomplished with oral appliances?

If you experience only mild sleep apnea or occasional snoring or find CPAP treatment unsuitable, Dr. Ramin Mirmooji and his expert associate can offer an effective solution with appliance therapy. This approach strategically positions your lower jaw and tongue to increase breathing space during sleep.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

How does sleep apnea affect my overall health?

Sleep apnea disrupts normal breathing during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation. This can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also affect cognitive function, mood, and energy levels. Seeking treatment for sleep apnea is crucial to prevent these serious health consequences. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe long-term effects on both mental and physical health. By addressing sleep apnea early, you can reduce the risks associated with it, including memory loss, mood swings, and the potential for life-threatening conditions.

What role does dentistry play in treating sleep apnea?

Dentistry can offer non-invasive treatments for sleep apnea, particularly through oral appliances. These devices reposition the lower jaw to open the airway, allowing for better airflow and reducing the frequency of apnea episodes during sleep. Dr. Mirmooji specializes in customizing these devices for effective, comfortable treatment. The goal is to provide a solution that improves breathing and sleep quality without the discomfort and inconvenience associated with a CPAP machine. Oral appliances are a great alternative for patients who find CPAP therapy difficult to use or uncomfortable.

Is an oral appliance as effective as a CPAP machine for treating sleep apnea?

For many patients, an oral appliance can be a highly effective alternative to CPAP therapy. While CPAP is the gold standard for severe cases, oral appliances are often preferred for mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are portable, more comfortable, and less intrusive than CPAP machines, making them an excellent choice for many people. The choice between CPAP and an oral appliance depends on the severity of the sleep apnea. 

How do I know if I need an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

If you experience symptoms such as loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, or choking sensations while sleeping, it’s worth discussing sleep apnea with Dr. Mirmooji. A comprehensive evaluation, including a sleep study, can help determine if an oral appliance is appropriate for your condition. Dr. Mirmooji may recommend an at-home sleep test or refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are key to avoiding long-term health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Can children have sleep apnea?

Yes, children can develop sleep apnea, especially if they have enlarged tonsils or adenoids, allergies, or obesity. If your child experiences difficulty sleeping, loud snoring, or frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, it’s essential to seek a pediatric sleep evaluation. Early treatment can help avoid complications later in life. Pediatric sleep apnea is often treated differently than in adults, with options such as surgical removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids or oral appliances to help reposition the jaw and improve airflow.

Are oral appliances safe for sleep apnea treatment?

Yes, when properly fitted and monitored by a trained dentist, oral appliances are a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea. Dr. Mirmooji ensures that each appliance is customized for comfort and functionality, minimizing any risk of dental damage or discomfort while improving sleep quality. The appliances are designed to be comfortable enough for nightly use and tailored to each patient’s needs.

How long does it take to see results from an oral appliance?

The results from an oral appliance for sleep apnea can often be felt within the first few nights of use, such as improved sleep quality and reduced snoring. However, full benefits may take a few weeks to manifest. Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Mirmooji will ensure the device works effectively as your treatment progresses.

Who can I reach in Pierrefonds, Quebec, to learn more?

Are you ready to take care of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea once and for all? Call Drs. Ramin Mirmooji and Samer Abboud to request an appointment at our office at 4935 Bd Saint-Charles Suite 104. Call (514) 613-1888 today!

Dr. Ramin Mirmooji

Dr. Ramin Mirmooji is a dynamic general practitioner who believes in providing excellent dentistry through personalized treatment plans and the best advice for patients. He graduated in Civil Engineering from South Bank Polytechnic (England) and studied microbiology and immunology at McGill University. He obtained his doctorate in dentistry from the University of Laval. He has followed many mini-residency courses in orthodontics, implantology, periodontics, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, pain management, MTA disorders, etc. He is a member of the Quebec Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association (CDA), Dental Society of Montreal, and International Congress of Implantology.

Dr. Samer Abboud

Dr. Samer Abboud, who graduated in Paris, France, is a general dentist practicing orthodontic services in several dental offices in Montreal. He has also served as a clinical research coordinator at McGill University and a professor. He has trained in adult and pediatric orthodontics, occlusion, and dental surgeries and has earned many diplomas. He has been a member of the Ordre des Dentistes du Québec, CDA, Association des Chirurgiens Dentistes du Québec, Proprietary Dentists of Quebec, and the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.