Treatment for Sleep Apnea Disorder in Red Deer

At Dr. Caroline Krivuzoff-Sanderson's Clinic, we are not concerned only about your oral health; we care about your overall well-being. That's why we also offer treatment for sleep apnea in Red Deer. Sleep apnea causes a person’s breathing to be interrupted during your sleep. This is usually caused by a blockage of the airway. A common warning sign for this sleep-related breathing disorder is snoring. But since snoring is so common, many people choose to ignore this symptom and deem it harmless. Please don't! Your snoring may be more than just an annoying habit – it could be impacting your health! We offer reliable treatment for sleep apnea in Red Deer.

What is sleep apnea?

Many people are affected by sleep apnea in Red Deer. But what exactly does the disorder do to your body? Sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing for ten seconds or more when sleeping. It is usually caused by the tongue falling back and blocking the airway. When this occurs, the resulting drop in oxygen in your bloodstream can gradually and cumulatively over time deprive your vital organs of the necessary oxygen they need to function and repair themselves. As a consequence, it causes several health problems.

Why is it unsafe to ignore sleep apnea?

You might be tempted to accept that snoring is just usual, thereby ignoring sleep apnea and other related symptoms. However, when left undetected and untreated, sleeping disorders can affect your health in many ways. Some of the consequences of sleep apnea include:

• Cardiovascular problems
• Tiredness and sleepiness during the daytime
• Depression and stress
• Worsening of high blood pressure
• Weight gain

To prevent sleep apnea from causing the above risks, consider getting tested for the condition. With treatment, you can overcome the sleeping disorder and cut down the risks.

HOW DO I KNOW I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?:

Read the below questions carefully and try to find answers for them:

• Snore loudly?
• Feel tired or sleepy during the daytime, even after a "good" night's sleep?
• Stop breathing or gasp for air during your sleep?
• Have high blood pressure?
• Have a neck size larger than 15 ¾ inches around?
• Have symptoms such as gastric reflux, morning headaches, lack of concentration, or low energy?
• Have diabetes?
• Are you older than 50 years?

If you answer yes to several of these questions, you may be at risk for a sleep-related breathing disorder known as sleep apnea, the "Silent Killer." The severity and the occurrence of these symptoms might vary, which is why undergoing a sleep apnea screening is essential to gain more clarity. For sleep apnea testing in Red Deer, you can visit Dr. Caroline Krivuzoff-Sanderson's clinic. 

How to get treated for sleep apnea?

At our dental clinic, we are pleased to provide screening for sleep apnea in Red Deer. Should your results indicate that a sleep study is warranted, you can expect us to:

• Offer you a take-home overnight sleep monitor that records your breathing while you are sleeping.
• Send the results from this monitor to a Sleep Physician for diagnosis.
• Plan the treatment based on your diagnosis. In severe cases, you may need a Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine to force air past the blockage, and in mild to moderate cases, you may be treated with a dental appliance.

how does a dental appliance treat sleep apnea?

If you are recomended a dental appliance, you'll need to regularly wear your dental appliance while you sleep. It will fit and feel like a mouth guard and is designed to support the jaw and keep it in a forward position so your upper airway remains clear. A mould of your mouth will be made in order to properly fabricate your custom appliance. Your new dental appliance should fit comfortably without impacting your breathing or causing any irritation. And due to its portability, it can be taken on all your travels!

Get in Touch Us

By offering a sleep apnea screening and testing service, we hope to create awareness of the seriousness of sleep disordered breathing. If you or a loved one might benefit from a consultation, please call us at 403-346-0077!