Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including residents of Grande Prairie. Characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea can lead to a range of health complications if left untreated. At Boisson Dental Group, we’re committed to raising awareness about sleep apnea and providing effective treatment options to improve the quality of life for our patients in Grande Prairie.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur multiple times throughout the night and may last for several seconds to minutes.
There are three main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
This is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become blocked or narrowed during sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA):
In CSA, the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing, leading to pauses in breathing during sleep.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome:
Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type of sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences both obstructive and central sleep apnea simultaneously.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and overall health.
Some common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes of gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Decreased libido
How Boisson Dental Group Can Help:
At Boisson Dental Group, we understand the importance of diagnosing and treating sleep apnea promptly to improve our patients’ quality of life. Our experienced dental team offers comprehensive sleep apnea screening, diagnosis, and treatment services tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Our approach to treating sleep apnea may include:
Oral Appliance Therapy:
Custom-fitted oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices, can help keep the airway open during sleep by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue. These appliances are comfortable, portable, and easy to use, making them an effective alternative for patients who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
Referral to Sleep Specialists:
In some cases, we may refer patients to sleep specialists for further evaluation and treatment, particularly if additional medical intervention is necessary.
Lifestyle Modifications:
We work with patients to identify and address lifestyle factors that may contribute to sleep apnea, such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek help from the experienced team at Boisson Dental Group. Our comprehensive sleep apnea screening, diagnosis, and treatment services can help you get the restful sleep you need to enjoy optimal health and well-being.
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