Sleep Solutions

Sleep Apnea & Snoring | Winnipeg Services | Southwood Dental Centre

At Southwood Dental Centre in Winnipeg, we offer treatment for sleep apnea and snoring because we know that sleep is vital to your wellbeing.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is characterized by shallow breathing or abnormal breathing pauses during sleep. These pauses (called apneas) can happen because of a physical blockage to airflow, a lack of respiratory effort, or a combination of the two.

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Snoring & Sleep Apnea

When you fall into deep sleep, your tongue, soft palate and throat tissues fall into a relaxed state.

For those who snore, the relaxation of these throat tissues causes the airways to restrict, vibrating and rumbling them as oxygen is forced past. Narrower airways mean heavier snoring since more force is required to breathe.

For those with sleep apnea, the tongue, soft palate and throat tissues over-relax, causing them to collapse into the back of the throat and obstruct your airway.

When the flow of oxygen stops, the brain is forced to awaken to consciously resume breathing. These mini-episodes can occur hundreds of times a night, which prevents you from falling into the deep, restorative sleep you need to recharge your brain and body.

Signs & Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have sleep apnea:

Heavy snoring
Choking or gasping sounds
Silent pauses in breathing
Headaches and migraines
Fatigue
Restless sleep
Depression
Irritability

Sleep Apnea & Snoring | Winnipeg Services | Southwood Dental Centre

Treatment Options

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications. There are a variety of treatment options to help keep your breathing regular during sleep. Our general dentists can help you find the right option for you.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea. CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air to patients through a mask that they wear during sleep. This airflow keeps the airway open, preventing pauses in breathing and restoring normal oxygen levels.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliance Therapy works by positioning your jaw further forward to pull your tongue away from the throat and the soft palate, opening your airway. This allows for better air exchange at night while you sleep. For many, it eliminates or reduces snoring.