Your Calgary Invisalign® Provider
What is Sleep Therapy?
At Dental One Bankers Hall, we use sleep therapy to treat the serious breathing disorder sleep apnea. This potentially life-threatening condition is distinguished by brief interruptions in breathing while a patient sleeps.
The sound we recognize as snoring happens when your airway is partially blocked, causing the palatal tissues to vibrate. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway is completely blocked for specific periods of time.
This condition can impact a patient's long-term health, and lead to heart problems. Our downtown Calgary dentists can recommend therapeutic options, including dental appliances, or surgical remedies for sleep apnea. We can help determine which option is right for you.
Why Treat Sleep Apnea?
This potentially life-threatening condition can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, strokes and heart attacks. It can also lead to excessive sleepiness during the day. Sleep therapy incorporates options such as dental appliances or surgical remedies, which can be used to treat sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can cause several symptoms such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Extremely loud snoring
- Lack of energy
- Stroke
- Depression
- Heart attack
- Heartburn
- Chronic sleepiness during the day
- Memory loss or memory problems
- Awakening with dry mouth or headache
- Irritability
Snoring may also disturb the spouse, though there is hope. Because obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition, it's imperative that it's treated correctly.
Treating Sleep Apnea
There are a few potential treatments for sleep apnea, including:
Oral Appliances
At Dental One Bankers Hall, we offer custom-fitted oral appliances to move the lower jaw and tongue muscles to open the airway. This helps to improve your airflow and keep you from waking through the night.
CPAP Machine
Also known as Continuous Positive Air Pressure Machines, these electronic devices use an internal fan to draw in outside air. CPAP machines then humidify and pressurize the air before sending it to the user through a connective base and face mask that they breathe through.
Laser Snoring Reduction
These treatments are completed at our dental office. Each session takes about 15 to 30 minutes and can help to reduce snoring in patients.