Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Maple Ridge

At Kanaka Creek Family Dental, we provide effective dental solutions for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Left untreated, it can lead to chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health complications. Many patients don't realize that their dentist can play a key role in treating this condition.

Our team works closely with your physician to provide custom oral appliance therapy — a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP machines. Using advanced digital scanning technology, we create precision-fitted devices that gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night.

Book a Sleep Apnea Consultation

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because symptoms occur during sleep. Watch for these common warning signs:

• Loud, chronic snoring — Often noticed by a partner before the patient is aware.
• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness — Even after what seems like a full night of rest.
• Morning headaches — Caused by reduced oxygen levels during sleep.
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat — From breathing through the mouth at night.
• Difficulty concentrating — Poor sleep quality affects memory and focus.
• Irritability and mood changes — Chronic sleep deprivation impacts emotional well-being.

If you recognize these symptoms, talk to your doctor and ask about a sleep study. Once diagnosed, we can help with treatment.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is the leading dental treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It's also an effective option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP machines.

How It Works

A custom-made oral appliance looks similar to a sports mouthguard. It works by gently advancing your lower jaw forward, which prevents the soft tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing and blocking your airway during sleep.

Benefits Over CPAP

• Comfortable and easy to wear — No mask, hose, or machine noise.
• Portable — Fits in a small case, ideal for travel.
• Silent — No motor noise disturbing your partner.
• Easy maintenance — Simple to clean and care for.
• High compliance — Patients are more likely to use it every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is obstructive sleep apnea?

  Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where the muscles in the back of your throat relax during sleep, causing your airway to narrow or close. This interrupts breathing — sometimes hundreds of times per night — reducing oxygen levels and disrupting sleep quality.

• Can a dentist really treat sleep apnea?

  Yes. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can fabricate custom oral appliances that hold the jaw in a forward position to keep the airway open. This is a recognized treatment recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for patients who cannot use CPAP.

• Do I need a diagnosis before getting an oral appliance?

  Yes. A sleep study (either in a lab or a home sleep test) ordered by your physician is required to diagnose sleep apnea. Once you have a diagnosis, we work with your doctor to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right treatment for you.

• Is the oral appliance comfortable to wear?

  Most patients find the appliance very comfortable after a brief adjustment period of one to two weeks. Because it is custom-made from digital impressions of your teeth, it fits precisely and does not feel bulky. We also schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit.

• How long does an oral appliance last?

  With proper care, a well-made oral appliance typically lasts three to five years. We will monitor its condition at your regular dental check-ups and recommend replacement when needed.

What to Expect

Step 1: Consultation
We review your sleep study results, discuss your symptoms, and determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you. If you haven't had a sleep study yet, we can refer you to a sleep specialist.

Step 2: Digital Impressions
Using our CEREC Primescan digital scanner, we take precise 3D impressions of your teeth — no messy putty trays. This ensures your appliance fits perfectly.

Step 3: Appliance Fitting
Once your custom appliance is ready, we fit it to your teeth and adjust it for optimal comfort and jaw positioning. We walk you through how to wear and care for it.

Step 4: Follow-Up & Adjustment
We schedule follow-up appointments to fine-tune the appliance and ensure it is effectively managing your symptoms. We also coordinate with your physician to monitor your progress.

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