Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Darlinghurst
Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can significantly affect your health, energy levels and overall quality of life. At Holdsworth House Dental in Darlinghurst, we work alongside GPs and sleep physicians to support patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea through tailored dental treatment options. For suitable cases, custom oral appliances can offer a comfortable, non-invasive way to help improve airflow during sleep and reduce the impact of sleep-disordered breathing.
What Is Sleep Apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder where the muscles of the throat relax and the airway partly or fully collapses, causing repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These events often lead to loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds and drops in blood oxygen before breathing restarts. Common symptoms include loud, chronic snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat on waking, daytime tiredness and difficulty concentrating or staying alert.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Sleep apnoea itself is diagnosed with a sleep study, arranged by a GP or sleep physician, which measures breathing, oxygen levels and sleep quality overnight. Once a diagnosis and severity level are confirmed, dentists with training in dental sleep medicine can play an important role in managing suitable cases. At Holdsworth House Dental, our experienced dental team works closely with sleep physicians to provide appropriate, evidence-based care.
Who may benefit from dental sleep apnoea appliances?
Dental sleep apnoea appliances are generally suited to patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea or those who experience primary snoring without significant airway collapse. They may also be appropriate for patients who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or who are looking for a more portable treatment option for travel or long-term use.
What to expect from oral appliance therapy
Oral appliance therapy begins with detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth to ensure a precise, comfortable fit. The appliance is custom-made to gently position the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping to maintain an open airway throughout the night. Once fitted, your dentist will review comfort, function and jaw position, with adjustments made as needed. If you’re considering oral appliance therapy, contact us to arrange an assessment.
What are the symptoms of silent sleep apnoea?
“Silent” sleep apnoea may involve minimal snoring but still causes breathing pauses, restless sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth and significant daytime sleepiness or concentration problems, which can easily be mistaken for simple fatigue or stress.
What is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)?
OSA is a common condition where the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing, reduced oxygen levels and fragmented sleep, often accompanied by snoring, gasping and unrefreshing rest.
What happens if sleep apnoea is left untreated?
Untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, mood problems and accidents caused by excessive daytime sleepiness, making timely assessment and treatment very important. At Holdsworth House Dental, we help patients understand their treatment options and access appropriate care.
Can sleep apnoea affect mental health and mood?
Yes. Ongoing sleep disruption caused by sleep apnoea can contribute to irritability, low mood, anxiety and difficulty managing stress. Poor sleep quality affects how the brain regulates emotions, which is why many people with untreated sleep apnoea report feeling emotionally flat, overwhelmed or unusually short-tempered during the day.
In many cases, private health insurance may provide a rebate for sleep apnoea oral appliances under dental extras, depending on your level of cover and insurer. A sleep study and medical referral are usually required. Your dental team can help guide you through what documentation is needed before starting treatment.
Discuss your sleep concerns with our team
Let us help you understand whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for your sleep apnoea. A consultation allows us to assess suitability and discuss treatment options in collaboration with your GP or sleep physician.
➡ Book your appointment online below or call (02) 9331 7811.
