sleep apnoea and rhoncopathies 

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by the sudden interruption of breathing during sleep. In this type of disorder there is a prolonged loud snoring regularly for a period of time, until it is interrupted by a period of silence of more than ten seconds, with a break in breathing. If the break lasts less than ten seconds, it is considered a breathing pause, if it lasts longer, it is considered apnoea.

Sleep apnoea affects approximately 4% of the male population and 2% of the female population, and is more common in older adults, those suffering from obesity and hypertension.

The patient with obstructive apnoea is at a higher risk of accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness, with the possibility of falling asleep in inappropriate places (work, car or other risky situations).

Sleep apnoea is diagnosed by a sleep test called polysomnography, or “sleep study”. One of the solutions to all these problems is the use of an intraoral device that is indicated for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnoea. Its action is based on a controlled and comfortable advancement of the jaw, by increasing the muscle tone at the level of the airway. In this simple way, the passage of air is facilitated, eliminating snoring and improving apnoea episodes, which results in a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.

The devices used, such as the Orthoapnea, represent the latest generation of intraoral devices and is a very effective solution for the treatment of mild and moderate sleep apnoea and snoring. The efficacy has been proven in different clinical studies. The use of intraoral devices is a simple, non-invasive and fully reversible treatment option, which gives it a therapeutic ease and immediacy that gives it an edge over other treatment solutions.

At Dental Girona we have Apnealink, a diagnostic device for carrying out sleep studies at the patient’s home. The specialist dentist will assess the study and recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient. In order to provide the best solution for our patients, we work in collaboration with the Clínica Girona Sleep Unit.