High River Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up feeling tired? Does your partner complain that you snore? Do you suffer from chronic headaches and dry mouth upon waking? You might have sleep apnea. If you regularly have trouble breathing while sleeping and wake up often or underlying problems such as enlarged tonsils, you might be dealing with sleep apnea. At Highwood Dental, we understand how sleep apnea can affect your life. That is why we are pleased to offer effective treatments that can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep apnea is a severe and potentially life-threatening sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often hundreds of times in a single night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when your throat muscles relax too much, narrowing and therefore blocking the airway. This leads to disruptions in breathing. When the body does not get enough oxygen, these frequent pauses in breathing wake you up. As this cycle repeats during the night, you might wake up tired and lethargic, which if left untreated can lead to more severe health issues in the long run. Most people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it, so it is essential to consult a doctor to get the correct diagnosis.

• Headaches in the morning that may last for several hours after waking up
• Dry mouth when waking up
• Restless sleep with periods of wakefulness throughout the night
• Irritability or frustration
• Increased need to get up from bed to urinate
• Reduced focus and attention during the day
• Loud snoring that is often punctuated by choking or gasping sounds
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Sleep apnea is a fairly common condition, but it can still have serious health risks if left untreated. At Highwood Dental, we diagnose sleep apnea and provide effective treatments to enhance your health.

There are two main treatments for most sleep apnea patients:

CPAP Machine: This device delivers a steady stream of air through a mask that is worn over the nose. The steady stream of air works to keep your airway open. While it can be effective, many find the machine uncomfortable because it is heavy, bulky, noisy and cumbersome to travel with, and so consistent use is low.

Sleep Apnea Appliances: Sleep apnea appliances are custom-made plastic mouth appliances that are worn over the teeth to reposition the jaw to keep the airway open and prevent breathing disruptions. These appliances also help reduce snoring. The appliance also helps to protect the tooth enamel from the associated grinding; instead of grinding the teeth, you grind the appliance and protect your enamel.

Highwood Dental is pleased to offer custom-made sleep apnea night guards that are designed to improve airflow and reduce sleep disruptions. These guards are worn over the teeth and gently reposition the jaw to keep the throat and the airway open. Wearing the night guard helps to reduce snoring and breathing pauses. We tailor these appliances to every individual to ensure a comfortable fit and better sleep quality.