Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea describes the condition in which there are momentary pauses in breathing during sleep. Of the three forms of sleep apnoea, obstructive sleep apnoea is the most common. Fortunately, it is also the easiest to treat.

Sleeping MenObstructive sleep apnoea is rather common, affecting nearly 20 million American adults. Estimates are that as much as 12 percent of children who chronically snore suffer from sleep apnoea, as well. This condition, which has several risk factors such as large tonsils or obesity, is very serious and must be addressed in order for the affected individual to experience optimal quality of life.

What sleep apnoea looks – or sounds – like

Many people have sleep apnoea without even knowing it. They are aware that they have a snoring problem. In fact, those with sleep apnoea do tend to snore – quite loudly. Sometimes, snoring sounds can be heard in other rooms of the house. In the midst of snoring, however, the snorer will suddenly go silent. In these moments, the muscles around the throat have fully relaxed, collapsing in the airway. During this time, there is no movement of air, no delivery of oxygen to the brain.

Sleep Apnoea

The systemic response to this lack of oxygen is to rouse the body with a jolt of adrenaline, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and prompting breathing to resume. This may sound like choking or gasping, followed by loud snoring. The sleeper will not fully wake up or know what has happened. The effects of this constant battle, however, will be felt during waking hours:

  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Micro-sleeps, falling asleep while watching television or even at stoplights
  • Difficulty retaining new information
  • Persistent irritability
  • Depression
  • Lack of focus
  • Chronic headaches
  • Sexual dysfunction

These symptoms are very concerning, having the potential to negatively impact a person’s work and social life. The chronic lack of sleep and stress on the body during apnoea episodes, can also have grave effects on health, such as increasing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The reduced level of oxygen during apnoea events also affects other organs in the body including the pancreas, thyroid, adrenal glands and liver. So long term there are adverse effects on the function of multiple body organs with serious health consequences.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnoea, a consultation with Dr. Rose at Smile in Style can confirm a diagnosis and also put you on the road to better sleep. Our usual course of treatment involves a referral to a sleep physician for an overnight sleep study. The sleep study can be done either in hospital or at home. Following the sleep study, a consultation is arranged with the physician to discuss the results. If there are issues with sleep apnoea then there is a referral back to the dentist for construction of a mandibular advancement splint for night time wear. This splint works by advancing the mandible which opens up the airway. Today, this condition can be comfortably treated with this customized oral appliance, a wonderful alternative to CPAP medical treatment. Dr. Rose has specific training in the area of sleep apnoea, and has helped many patients achieve better sleep through oral appliance therapy.

To learn how oral appliance therapy can help you, or to discover if your symptoms are due to obstructive sleep apnoea, contact us in Moonee Ponds or Sunbury for a private consultation.

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
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Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Terry Rose Dr. Sally Fairbairn Dr. Helen Luo Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar Dr. Darshan Brar Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Terry Rose

Dr. Terry Rose completed his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He then moved to Australia and founded Smile in Style in 1990. With over 25 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Rose has been a Progressive Orthodontic Seminar instructor. He is an Accredited Biological Dentist certified in the SMART protocol through the IAOMT and completed the LA&HA Master’s Program in Laser Dentistry. In 2021, he was named an Advanced Instructor in dental lasers, and he continues to train dentists in laser and CEREC technology.

Dr. Sally Fairbairn

Dr. Sally Fairbairn completed her Bachelor of Science before earning her Bachelor of Oral Health in Dentistry from Griffith University in 2011. She also earned a Graduate Diploma in Dentistry. Certified in Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) by the IAOMT, she is expanding her expertise by pursuing accreditation as a Biological Dentist. Dr. Sally’s proficiency in biological dentistry and dedication to ongoing education have established her as a trusted dentist.

Dr. Helen Luo

Dr. Helen Luo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, where she was recognised with a prize in Paediatric Dentistry. Since joining Smile In Style in 1998, she has gained extensive experience using CEREC for inlays, onlays, and crowns, as well as using the Dental Laser for both children and adults. Dr. Luo is also certified in the SMART technique by the IAOMT and offers advanced teeth whitening with the Kör system. She enjoys treating children as well as adults in the Sunbury surgery.

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar

Dr. Meenakshi Rajcoomar graduated from the University of Melbourne and completed a residency in functional breathing and craniofacial pain. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics from Progressive Orthodontic Seminars and is a Certified Clear Aligner Practitioner. A member of the IAOMT, Dr. Rajcoomar is SMART certified and completed an oral surgery course at the University of Melbourne. Her broad expertise and commitment to continuing education make her a well-rounded dental professional.

Dr. Darshan Brar

Dr. Darshan Brar earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India in 2001 and obtained her Australian Dental Council Certificate in 2010. She is trained in Safe Amalgam Removal using the SMART Technique. She has an interest in Endodontics and same day inlays/onlays and crowns using CEREC. Dr. Brar’s commitment to continuing education ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in dental care, providing her patients with high-quality, modern treatment options.

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur

Dr. Jasdeep Kaur is an experienced general dentist who earned her Bachelor of Dentistry in India in 2012 and completed the Australian Dental Council Exam in 2017. She has experience working in regional Victoria with Community Health and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dr. Kaur is skilled in the SMART technique for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal and offers a range of cosmetic treatments, including full mouth restorations, teeth whitening, crowns, and bridges. She embraces modern technology and is committed to ongoing education to continue providing her patients with the highest level of care.