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Sleep Apnea Treatment in Northwest (NW) Calgary

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Solutions for NW Calgary

Snoring can be a sign of a serious health concern known as Sleep Apnea. At night when we sleep, the muscles around our soft palate, the uvula, tonsils and tongue relax. The jaw falls back, the tongue blocks the airway, and the snoring sound we hear is the air vibrating the soft tissues as it forces its way past the blockage. Get in touch to determine the best solution for you.

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What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is when breathing stops during sleep. This can last from several seconds to over a minute, cutting off oxygen supply to the body. This can occur hundreds of time over the course of a night.

Often the sleeper will wake up, which can result in someone waking up many dozens of times a night, leading to poor sleep.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Soft tissues have relaxed and collapsed to block the airways.
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Originates from your brain, which signals your body that breathing is interrupted.
  • Mixed Sleep Apnea: A combination of both OSA and CSA conditions.

Risk Factors For Snoring & Sleep Apnea:

  • People over 40 years of age, smokers, and those with a family history of chronic respiratory disorders
  • Weight can play a large part in both causing and preventing sleep apnea. Excessive weight around the neck makes airway blockages more likely. Women with necks over 15 inches in diameter, and men with necks over 17 inches in diameter, are most at risk.
  • Certain physical conditions, such as allergies, deviated septum, sinus infections, colds, large tonsils, and a long soft palate, can all contribute to snoring as well.

Symptoms of Poor Sleep: 

  • Difficulty in concentrating and learning
  • Fatigue/drowsiness throughout the day
  • Memory loss
  • Increased blood pressure and cardiovascular problems
  • Irritability, anxiety and/or depression
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Weight gain
  • Cardiovascular issues

Treating Sleep Apnea

There are many ways to approach treating sleep apnea. These largely depend on the individual circumstances, as not every treatment is viable for every patient.

  • CPAP Machines: The gold standard in sleep apnea treatment is what’s known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These devices are strapped to the face and typically sit over the nose. An air hose connects to the device to an air pump on the bedside table.
  • Oral Airway Appliances: Oral airway appliances are relatively simple devices which hold the jaw in a certain position during sleep, helping to keep the airways open. Each OAA is made specifically for the individual patient. They fit precisely into your mouth and hold your jaw into the ideal position to allow unobstructed airflow. Not every person is an ideal candidate for OAA.
  • Surgery: Surgery is typically used as a last resort when it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea. Tonsils, polyps, deviated septum and jaw malformation can all be addressed surgically. These are invasive procedures that do require a hospital visit, and carry all of the risks of a surgeryEasy to clean
  • Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes can actually be effective for treating, and in some cases curing, snoring and sleep apnea.Comfortable custom mouth guards can be made by your dentist at our practice!
  • Weight Loss: This is a major treatment for many people. Excess fat around the neck can make airway blockages much more common. By freeing the neck of this excess weight, blockages become less frequent or, in some cases, stop completely.
  • Quitting Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor in both snoring and sleep apnea, and cutting back will help address the issue.
  • Avoiding alcohol or sedatives within 3 hours of sleeping can reduce or prevent snoring.
  • Dental Treatments

If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, please get in touch and we can discuss the best treatment options for you.

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Screening For Sleep Apnea

If you find yourself with all of the symptoms of disrupted sleep, it can be a wise decision to get screened. It’s important to realize that it is a serious medical condition which, left untreated, can be life-threatening. 

General physicians and sleep dentists will typically work together to identify and treat cases of obstructive sleep apnea. The screening process involves several steps, which can include:

  • A questionnaire. about daytime sleepiness, obstructive breathing, nighttime breathing, signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
  • A dental exam of the teeth, supporting structures within the mouth, and evaluation of the head, neck, and face areas
  • Examination of the upper airway to check for any obstructions
  • Obtaining dental impressions for both the upper and lower teeth, as well as your occlusion or bite
  • Specialized X-Rays
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Northwest (NW) Calgary

Your full service Calgary dental team, conveniently located at Market Mall.

We strive to always provide you with the best service possible to keep your smile healthy. Whether you require a simple cleaning or a more complex treatment, we're here for you.


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Contact our team via phone, online chat or by filling out a form. We will do our best to get you the information you need.

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Our team of general dentists and dental professionals are currently accepting new patients to join our dental family. 

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