Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments in Bridgeland, AB
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatments Near You
Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway repeatedly becomes entirely blocked, preventing breathing. The word “apnea” means “no breathing.” You might wake up enough to gasp for air and then fall back to sleep. In the morning you often have no memory of these incidents.
The official definition of sleep apnea is blocked breathing five or more times per hour for at least ten seconds each time. The average time is 22 seconds. Try holding your breath for 22 seconds — good luck! The lack of breathing causes a significant drop in blood oxygen levels. Although there are three types of sleep apnea, the most common one is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the soft tissue in the back of your throat collapses and blocks your airway. This blockage prevents you from breathing and results in the brain and heart not receiving sufficient oxygen. This can result in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which can place you at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Central Sleep Apnea: While less prevalent, central sleep apnea is similarly dangerous. It occurs when your brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. There is no blockage of the airway, but there is a disruption of the function of the respiratory centre. With central sleep apnea, patients may experience periods of apnea lasting as long as 2 minutes at a time. This can lead to your brain and heart being extremely starved for oxygen, which puts you at risk for severe health problems.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea in Adults
Adults in Calgary who may need sleep apnea and snoring treatments in Calgary, AB, can notice a range of signs, including those below.
The Epworth Sleepiness Tool can help screen for sleep-disordered breathing. Find your Epworth Sleepiness Score here to see if you are at risk.
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Repeatedly waking and gasping for breath through the night
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Acid reflux
- Decreased libido
- Teeth grinding
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Restless sleeping
- Frequent morning headaches
Dental Appliance (Mandibular Advancement Devices) for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea at Alpine Dental
At Alpine Dental, we provide effective sleep apnea and snoring treatments in Calgary, AB, using custom dental appliances. Dr. Laura Brescia can address snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with dental appliance therapy. She feels that helping patients improve their quality of life through better sleep is one of the most satisfying part of her career.
Book a complimentary consultation to discuss if you could benefit from the treatment of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Various device designs and costs will be addressed with you.
Our team will help you arrange a sleep study if you haven’t had one already.
When ready to proceed, digital impressions of your mouth are taken, along with photographic records, a limited dental exam, a CBCT image of your airways, and a TMJ exam.
A few weeks later, you will meet with us to receive your new Dental Appliance for snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We will teach you how to use the device, how to maintain it, and we will follow your progress to make sure the device is doing what it should be doing for you.
If you’ve been searching for sleep apnea and snoring treatments near you, our team is here to provide safe and personalized solutions.
Risks associated with untreated sleep apnea
People with sleep apnea encounter numerous situations of interrupted breathing during sleep. In order to resume breathing, your brain must awaken partially; although you are probably not aware of the breathing pauses and waking, it can happen hundreds of times a night. This then stops the brain from getting the complete REM sleep you require. Then when the brain has detected low oxygen levels, it tells the heart to beat faster to pump more blood and raises the risk for severe health problems, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- An irregular heartbeat
- Stroke
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Coronary artery disease
Sleep apnea is also possible to lead to depression, fatigue during the day, memory problems, mood changes, headaches in the morning, and other problems. That’s why it’s important to see a trusted dentist in Calgary, AB, for diagnosis and treatment options.
Book Your Appointment Today
Do you live in Bridgeland, Renfrew, Crescent Heights, Downtown Calgary, or NE Calgary, and are you troubled with your snoring or sleep apnea? You should not postpone your treatment any longer. Alpine Dental is the right place for you. We offer custom-made snoring and sleep apnea treatment to help you achieve the restful sleep you need for your health and well-being. Contact our caring, friendly team for an appointment with a sympathetic dentist near you, and start improving your health and sleep today!
FAQs
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the airflow to the lungs is obstructed during sleep, and as a result, you are not getting enough oxygen. This is usually accompanied by loud snoring, and the person affected may feel extremely tired, apart from experiencing various health issues.
How do dental appliances help with sleep apnea?
Custom dental appliances gently shift your lower jaw forward to help keep your airway open, allowing you to breathe better at night and to reduce snoring.
Is treatment painful or uncomfortable?
Most patients do not have a problem with dental appliances. Our clinic staff will measure the appliance so it is comfortable, and we will instruct you on the use of the device.
Can children have sleep apnea, too?
Yes, children can snore, breathe through their mouths, or even have difficulty paying attention at school. Addressing these conditions early on improves sleep and their overall health.