Sleep Apnea - Prince Albert, SK 

Why Choose LEGACY DENTAL for Sleep Apnea Therapy?

• Custom-made sleep appliances for every patient.
• Able to stop chronic snoring.
• Viable alternative to CPAP therapy.

What Causes Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Snoring occurs when the airway narrows, causing the soft tissues to vibrate when air passes through it. Snoring is often a common sign of sleep apnea, which typically results from an obstruction in the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the throat or back of the mouth collapse to block the airways. This causes you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night with each event lasting potentially longer than one minute. Although it can develop in anyone, there are several risk factors that increase the likeliness for it developing, such as a large neck circumference, obesity, and large tonsils.

What Happens If Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?

The frequent pauses in breathing can lead to a variety of symptoms, like loud, chronic snoring. You may wake often choking or gasping for air. It is common to wake with a headache or sore throat. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and moodiness. Over time, this can lead to sleep deprivation, which increases your risk of accidents at home, in the workplace, or behind the wheel.

The lack of adequate oxygen flow also places a strain on your heart. This increases your risk of several health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and premature death.

Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring with an Oral Appliance

Traditionally, sleep apnea is treated using a CPAP machine. This delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the mouth or nose. Although it is effective, it can be bothersome. As an alternative, many patients now prefer an oral appliance. It is a custom-fit device that looks like a mouthguard; however, it repositions the lower jaw and tongue forward to prevent the airway from collapsing. As a result, you can breathe easy and enjoy a better night’s rest.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

If you suspect you have sleep apnea or you were recently diagnosed with it, it is normal to have several questions. We want you to feel confident in the decisions you make for your health and your quality of life. During your appointment, we take the time to answer your questions about sleep apnea, such as:

Does snoring always indicate sleep apnea?

Everyone snores from time to time, so it does not always indicate sleep apnea; however, it is a common sign of the condition. If you snore excessively, it is best to undergo a sleep study to ensure there is not a larger issue causing the problem.

How effective is an oral appliance?

When used correctly, an oral appliance is effective for treating mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need a combined treatment using an oral appliance and a CPAP.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Many people believe the only sign of sleep apnea is chronic snoring; however, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that you might not attribute to the condition. Not to mention, many people don’t seek sleep apnea treatment in Prince Albert sooner because they weren’t aware there’s an issue until their partner has brought it to their attention. It’s best to see your physician if you experience:

• Waking with a headache
• Waking coughing or grasping for air
• Waking with a sore or dry throat
• Daily fatigue
• Mood changes or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Decline in cognitive abilities
• Sleep deprivation

Several health conditions can also occur because of the sleep disorder, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetic complications, and even premature death.

What are my treatment options?

After receiving the results of your sleep study, your physician will write a prescription for treatment, which can include:

• CPAP: A machine is used while sleeping to deliver a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose. It keeps the airway open and maintains oxygen levels to stop pauses in breathing. It’s the most traditional treatment; however, some patients find it bothersome.
• Oral Appliance Therapy: An oral appliance looks like an athletic mouthguard, but it’s not designed to protect the teeth from trauma. Instead, it repositions the lower jaw forward to prevent the soft tissues and tongue from blocking the airway. It’s a comfortable, convenient alternative to a CPAP to treat mild-to-moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. It can be used alone or with a CPAP.

Your dentist will explain all your options and discuss your preferences to recommend a treatment that’s right for you.

Why do I need to see a dentist for treatment?

Sleep apnea is not an oral health issue, so it’s normal to find it unusual to visit a dentist for treatment. Dentists are experts in oral anatomy. They have advanced training to create the custom-made oral appliance you need to prevent interruptions in breathing.

Do I use my medical or dental insurance to pay for treatment?

If you’re interested in an oral appliance, your medical insurance is billed. Although you’ll be visiting your dentist, an oral appliance is needed for medical purposes. Don’t worry, we’ll work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary papers to lower the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.

Will an oral appliance stop my snoring?

Snoring and sleep apnea often go hand in hand, although they are separate issues. Snoring is a noise caused by vibrations as air passes over the soft tissues in the back of your mouth. Since sleep apnea narrows the airway, snoring is a common sign of the condition. Thankfully, you can successfully treat both problems with an oral appliance. The device prevents the tissues from creating an obstruction to keep the airway open. Not only will you sleep soundly, but you won’t need to worry about keeping anyone awake with your snoring any longer.

Schedule a Consultation

If you know you are struggling with sleep apnea, or you have chronic snoring in Prince Albert, contact our office today for treatment.