Do you wake up tired even after a full night in bed? Does your partner nudge you to stop snoring? Do you start the day with a dry mouth or headache? These can all be signs of sleep-disordered breathing. A sleep apnea test in Calgary can help uncover what is happening while you sleep, and your dentist may be one of the first people to spot the clues.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Each pause in breathing can disturb sleep and lower oxygen levels. Many people with sleep apnea do not know they have it, because the pauses happen while they are asleep.
Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with daytime fatigue, high blood pressure and other health concerns, which is why getting checked matters.
Signs Your Dentist May Notice
During a regular exam, we see things that can point to airway problems:
- Worn, flattened or chipped teeth from grinding
- A scalloped tongue (ridges along the edges)
- A small jaw or narrow palate
- Large tonsils or a crowded throat
- Red, inflamed gums linked to mouth breathing
Combined with symptoms like snoring, morning headaches or daytime sleepiness, these signs suggest it may be worth testing.
How a Sleep Apnea Test in Calgary Works
Evolution Dental offers an in-house sleep test that you take in your own bed.
- Screening. We ask about your sleep, energy levels and health history, and examine your mouth and airway.
- Home test. You take a small, easy-to-use monitor home and wear it overnight. It records breathing, oxygen levels and other sleep data.
- Review. Results are interpreted by a qualified sleep physician, who provides a diagnosis.
- Next steps. Together, we review the results and talk about treatment options.
Many patients find a home test more comfortable and convenient than spending a night in a sleep lab.
Treatment Options
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, and treatment depends on severity. Options may include:
- CPAP therapy, a machine that keeps the airway open with gentle air pressure
- Oral appliance therapy, a custom device that holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open. Learn more about appliance therapy.
- Lifestyle changes, such as sleep position, weight management and limiting alcohol before bed
- Supporting therapies, like myofunctional therapy to encourage nasal breathing
For people who snore without apnea, our snoring treatments may help everyone in the house sleep better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea? No. Many people snore without having apnea, but loud, frequent snoring with gasping or pauses is worth checking.
Can my dentist diagnose sleep apnea? Dentists can screen and arrange testing, but diagnosis is made by a physician. We coordinate with your medical team.
Are oral appliances comfortable? Custom appliances are made to fit your mouth and are adjusted over time. Most patients adapt within a few weeks.
Book a Sleep Screening in Calgary
Better sleep can change how you feel every day. Learn more about sleep apnea care at our office, then call Evolution Dental at (403) 208-9965 or book online to start with a simple screening.
