Sleep Apnea

Are you tired all the time even though you think you’re getting enough sleep? Does your loud snoring keep your partner awake? Do you wake up during the night gasping for breath? If so, you might be one of the many people who suffer from sleep apnea.

At Triunity Family Dental, we can work with you to overcome sleep apnea and get the rejuvenating sleep you need.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop while you sleep– often as frequently as 30 times each hour. These brief periods of apnea signal the brain to wake you up to restart your breathing. Qualified Sleep Dentistry providers at our office can help assess your risk and plan your treatment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses, closing off your airway.

Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by misfiring signals from the brain. Your muscles  aren’t being told to breath.

Complex Sleep Apnea
Complex sleep apnea is a combination with both obstructive and central causes.

Are You Experiencing…

•  Insomnia
•  Shortness of breath after waking
•  Choking or snorting sounds
•  Morning headaches
•  Daytime Sleepiness
•  Loud snoring (Day or Night)
•  Forgetfulness or foggy thinking

Any of these symptoms can be caused by sleep apnea, a potentially serious condition.

Our principal dentist, Dr Osemiha is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. He would be more than happy to offer you a free sleep apnea consultation to assess your risk, discuss your symptoms and begin the process of screening you for sleep apnea. If a health care provider has ruled out sleep apnea and you’re still not sleeping well, we are happy to offer you a complimentary second opinion about some dental concerns that may be disrupting your sleep.

Did You Know?

Dr Osemiha is 1 of 2 Diplomates of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine currently practicing in Manitoba. Sleep apnea is often difficult to diagnose because while you may wake up dozens or even hundreds of times every night, it’s often for only a few seconds at a time. Most people don’t remember waking up at all. They just know they’re tired all day. Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea is important. Extreme cases of sleep apnea can even be deadly. We can help you understand your risk factors for sleep apnea and work with you to develop a treatment plan that works.

Are You at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Risk Factors Include:

60-75% of sleep apnea sufferers are male. However, women may be at greater risk of living with undiagnosed sleep apnea.

Obesity can increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea but 25% of patients diagnosed with sleep apnea are NOT obese.

Lifestyle factors, including smoking, drinking, and use of prescription sedatives also increase your risk.

Recent research indicates that genetics can influence your risk of sleep apnea, too.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a growing number of health problems including stroke, heart failure and diabetes.

Our Approach to Sleep Apnea

Diagnosing and treating sleep apnea may be challenging.

  1. The first step to a cure and healthy, restful sleep is to make an appointment at Triunity Family Dental to discuss your symptoms and risk factors.
  2. After we confirm a suspicion of sleep apnea, we’ll refer you for a Sleep test with a Certified Sleep Physician. We would also discuss health improvement strategies and lifestyle changes like a healthier diet, increased exercise, quitting smoking, or just sleeping on your side might help alleviate the symptoms of mild sleep apnea.
  3. In more advanced cases, a referral to your primary care physician will be indicated after which dental treatment alternatives to CPAP therapy may be discussed.

Get In Touch

We can help you get the relaxing, restful, rejuvenating sleep you need to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.

If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, call Triunity Family Dental at 204-831-6633

or

Don’t Forget?

Triunity Family Dental also offers second opinions and will help you make the best choice for your health.