Sleep Apnea Treatment Edmonton

Sleep Apnea Edmonton

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These interruptions, called apnea events, can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing the body from reaching deep, restorative sleep.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form, caused when the throat muscles relax and partially or fully block the airway during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea: Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea: A combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic daytime fatigue. At Clean Smiles Dental Clinic, we offer dental appliance therapy as an effective, comfortable option for managing obstructive sleep apnea.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is often undiagnosed because many of its symptoms occur during sleep. Common warning signs include:

Loud, chronic snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep (often noticed by a partner)
Excessive daytime sleepiness despite a full night’s rest
Morning headaches
Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability or mood changes
Frequent nighttime urination
Teeth grinding (bruxism) — often linked to sleep-disordered breathing

If you or a family member experience several of these symptoms, we encourage you to consult with our dental team. We can assess your oral anatomy and refer you for a sleep study if appropriate.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing sleep apnea:

Excess weight: Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
Neck circumference: A thicker neck may mean a narrower airway.
Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common with age, particularly after 40.
Sex: Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea, though the risk increases for women after menopause
Nasal congestion: Chronic congestion can contribute to airway obstruction.
Smoking and alcohol use: Both can relax throat muscles and worsen symptoms.
Family history: A genetic predisposition may be a contributing factor.
Jaw or airway anatomy: A small jaw, large tonsils, or a narrow throat can increase risk.

Dental Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

At Clean Smiles, we focus on oral appliance therapy (OAT) a non-invasive, patient-friendly approach to treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Options include:

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Custom-fitted appliances that gently move the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open during sleep.
Tongue Retaining Devices: Appliances that hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent it from blocking the throat.
Combination therapy: In some cases, oral appliances can be used alongside CPAP or other treatments as recommended by your physician.

All oral appliances at our clinic are custom-made for each patient to ensure a comfortable, precise fit and optimal effectiveness.

The Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance Process

Consultation and screening: Our dental team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and oral anatomy. We may refer you to a sleep specialist for a formal diagnosis.
Sleep study (if required): A sleep study, conducted at a clinic or at home, confirms the diagnosis and severity of sleep apnea.
Impressions and fitting: Once a diagnosis is confirmed, digital scans and impressions of your teeth are taken to fabricate a custom oral appliance.
Appliance fabrication: Your device is crafted by a dental laboratory to precisely fit your bite and jaw position.
Delivery and adjustment: You return to the clinic to receive your appliance. The dentist ensures proper fit, comfort, and jaw positioning.
Follow-up care: Regular follow-up appointments monitor your response to treatment and allow for fine-tuning of the appliance as needed.

Signs You Should Seek Help

Your partner reports that you snore loudly or stop breathing in your sleep.
You feel exhausted every morning regardless of how many hours you sleep.
You wake with headaches or a dry mouth on a regular basis.
You’ve been told you grind your teeth at night — bruxism is frequently associated with airway issues.
You experience difficulty staying awake while driving, reading, or watching TV.
You have been diagnosed with sleep apnea but struggle with or are intolerant of CPAP therapy.

If any of these apply to you, speak with our dental team. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health.