Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

At the Beacon Sleep Medicine Clinic we strongly believe that dentists can dramatically impact patient’s lives by changing their quality of sleep. Dental Sleep Medicine has the ability to help improve and save lives.

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a common sign or symptom for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, is not always the only indicator. Prior to treatment, patients should be diagnosed by a board certified sleep medicine physician.

Sleep Apnoea is where there are short spells when breathing stops while sleeping. Apnoea can occur many times during the night. The symptoms include snoring, fatigue, and a tendency to fall asleep during the day ( daytime somnolence) There can also be complications, such as heart rhythm problems, memory problems, interruptions to normal body functions i.e. metabolising sugars to maintain normal blood sugar levels etc. Medical advice should be sought if suspect you may have Sleep Apnoea.

Assessment 

Referral to the Beacon Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic by a medical consultant, we will then assess your suitability for Oral Appliance Therapy. This will involve a dental examination, an x-ray and a trial oral appliance, if indicated. If you have not been seen by a doctor, we will refer you to the appropriate medical consultant before further assessment.

Treatment Interventions

In the Treatment phase, you will be fitted with an oral appliance by an experienced restorative dentist with expertise in the field of dental sleep medicine, who will control and monitor your progress and response to treatment. All patients of the Beacon Dental Sleep Medicine Clinic are seen one week and one month following initial appliance delivery.

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