Advocate Dental - Vancouver

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vancouver

Get help for your sleep apnea and snoring problems and finally get some quality sleep.
Call 778-907-0734

All about sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to breathe while you sleep. Sleep apnea can disrupt your sleeping more than 30 times a night and is characterized by pauses in normal breathing, gasping in your sleep, waking up with headaches, feeling foggy and tired during the day and, most infamously, excessive snoring that might keep your partner awake.

    There are two main types of sleep apnea:
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea - The most common form of sleep apnea, caused by tissues in the back of the throat collapsing and blocking the airway during sleep.
  • Central Sleep Apnea - This form of apnea is caused by a disruption in the communication patterns between your brain and muscles which leads to a breathing disruption.

What are the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?

It goes without saying that a good night’s sleep is essential to our emotional and physical well-being. Even if you can’t remember waking up at night, sleep apnea is still disturbing your sleep cycle and this can have short-term and long-term effects on your health, relationships and quality of life. Besides finally getting a good night’s sleep, what are some of the benefits of sleep apnea treatment?

Better physical health

Believe it or not, treating your sleep apnea will reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart issues, the risk of type 2 diabetes, liver problems and reduces stress on your metabolic system. Combating sleep apnea may also alleviate the extra risk associated with surgery or drug therapy.

Feel like normal again

Do you ever feel like you’re forgetting something? Or can’t quite find the words you’re looking for? Sleep apnea sufferers often report waking up feeling groggy and feel stuck in a brain fog all day. With sleep apnea treatment, patients report feeling sharper, focused and more like themselves again.

Strengthen your relationships

Treating your sleep apnea is good for both you and your partner. By reducing or stopping your restlessness and snoring altogether you will also give your partner a higher quality, uninterrupted night of sleep. Both of you will wake up with an improved mood. Facing the day with a fresh slate will make parenting, work and relationships feel a lot more enjoyable. Your good mood is catching.

How is sleep apnea treated?

There are several options for treating sleep apnea depending on the cause and severity of your apnea. It’s also important for us to find a solution that suits your lifestyle.

Lifestyle changes

The good news is that mild cases of sleep apnea can be treated right at home. The dentist may recommend losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, changing the way you sleep, following sleep hygiene recommendations, and quitting smoking. These recommendations are so safe and effective, we often recommend them even in tandem with other treatments.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Currently the most common treatment for sleep apnea, you may already be familiar with CPAP machines. A mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a constant steady stream of air that helps keep your airways open so you can breathe normally. There are different kinds of masks and machines available depending on your needs and what you’re comfortable sleeping with.

Oral appliances

There are a few appliances that are worn in the mouth while sleeping that can alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. They typically look and feel a bit like a mouthguard. Their function will depend on what’s causing your sleep apnea symptoms and they may alleviate snoring, pull the jaw forward to keep your airway clear or stabilize your tongue.

Surgery and medication

Some causes of sleep apnea can be treated with surgery or medication. The most common types of surgery for sleep apnea problems include repairing a deviated septum in the nose, fixing a narrow throat or airway, or making adjustments to the jaw area to relieve throat blockages.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

The symptoms of sleep apnea could be summed up as not being able to sleep deeply and suffering the consequences of that. A sleep apnea sufferer might snore often or loudly, silently pause breathing while sleeping, wake up in the night choking and gasping, find themselves having to use the washroom at night, and wake up feeling completely dissatisfied with their sleep. During the day they may have headaches, difficulty concentrating, feel irritable, have memory loss or foggy brain and may experience a decline in sexual desire.
Sleep apnea has many different possible causes. In adults, the most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea and the most common cause of that is excess weight and obesity. You can’t be sure of what kind of sleep apnea you have or the cause until you are examined by a professional.
When suffering from a lack of oxygen due to sleep apnea, your brain senses your inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so that you can open your airway. This awakening can be so brief that you don’t even remember it the next day. You may be briefly waking up 30 times or more per night without remembering a thing, just feeling groggy the next morning.
You may have an increased risk of sleep apnea if you are overweight, male, have a family history of sleep apnea or poor sleeping, use alcohol or sleeping pills, smoke, or have nasal congestion. In addition, sleep apnea occurs much more often in older adults.
Research suggests that sleeping on your side (Also know as the lateral sleeping position) is the best sleeping position for relieving sleep apnea and snoring.
While most people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight, there are many causes of sleep apnea and thin people can develop the disorder too.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Johnny MOK
11 months ago
My in-laws and I recently had the pleasure of receiving dental services from Dr. Jimmy Loo, and I am compelled to share my overwhelmingly positive experience.Dr. Loo's exceptional patience stood out throughout my entire visit. He took the time to thoroughly explain each procedure, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed at every step. His ability to listen attentively to my concerns and address them with care is truly commendable.I highly recommend Dr. Jimmy Loo for anyone seeking dental services. His wonderful demeanor, extreme professionalism, and unwavering patience set him apart in the field. My dental experience was not only painless but genuinely pleasant, thanks to Dr. Loo and his dedicated team.
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Dudu Chiu
1 year ago
Have been seeing Dr Jimmy Loo since years ago, long before this new dental office is ever set up in Kerrisdale. Noticeable upgrade in every aspect including office location and interior design. Same professional service and attention to detail.Great experience starting from the welcoming smile of the reception. Very impressive!
More
Dr Loo is genuinely the nicest dentist I’ve ever met. Extremely helpful, friendly, and doesn’t mind taking time to explain things to you - unlike most doctors or dentists that are always in a hurry. The staff there is also all very friendly and helpful! Always a positive experience going there.
More
Joe Cash
1 year ago
I had a good experience with Dr. Jimmy Loo 12 years ago when I needed to have a tooth extracted, and when he opened his own practice I was happy to become one of his clients. His new office is clean, functional and fully equipped with the latest technology. I was amazed to have a night guard made using imaging software rather than an actual physical mould. Dr. Loo and his staff are professional, personable and skilful. He makes sure you understand a procedure and always asks if you have any questions. He is also prepared to take on emergencies. My wife recently recommended him to a friend who needed an emergency procedure on a Saturday evening and he remained at his office to assist her. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a competent and caring dentist.
More
Theresa Lee
1 year ago
Dr Loo has been my dentist for over 12 years. I am always impressed by his consistency, dedication to his profession and genuine care for his patients. When discussing the procedure for either a root canal, bridge, crown or an extraction, he is patient and explains clearly all the options, pros/cons, and what to expect. During the procedure, he always makes sure you are fine and he is willing to make changes/adjustment for you to get the best results. He is very flexible to accommodate dental emergency requests and gives you a follow-up call himself after something serious such as a tooth extraction. All the staff on his team are friendly and helpful. Seeing a dentist is not a fun thing, however, I always feel reassured seeing Dr Loo, because I know I am in good hands. I highly recommend Dr Loo to anyone who is looking for a caring and competent dentist.
More
Johnny MOK
11 months ago
My in-laws and I recently had the pleasure of receiving dental services from Dr. Jimmy Loo, and I am compelled to share my overwhelmingly positive experience.Dr. Loo's exceptional patience stood out throughout my entire visit. He took the time to thoroughly explain each procedure, ensuring I felt comfortable and informed at every step. His ability to listen attentively to my concerns and address them with care is truly commendable.I highly recommend Dr. Jimmy Loo for anyone seeking dental services. His wonderful demeanor, extreme professionalism, and unwavering patience set him apart in the field. My dental experience was not only painless but genuinely pleasant, thanks to Dr. Loo and his dedicated team.
More
Dudu Chiu
1 year ago
Have been seeing Dr Jimmy Loo since years ago, long before this new dental office is ever set up in Kerrisdale. Noticeable upgrade in every aspect including office location and interior design. Same professional service and attention to detail.Great experience starting from the welcoming smile of the reception. Very impressive!
More
Dr Loo is genuinely the nicest dentist I’ve ever met. Extremely helpful, friendly, and doesn’t mind taking time to explain things to you - unlike most doctors or dentists that are always in a hurry. The staff there is also all very friendly and helpful! Always a positive experience going there.
More
Joe Cash
1 year ago
I had a good experience with Dr. Jimmy Loo 12 years ago when I needed to have a tooth extracted, and when he opened his own practice I was happy to become one of his clients. His new office is clean, functional and fully equipped with the latest technology. I was amazed to have a night guard made using imaging software rather than an actual physical mould. Dr. Loo and his staff are professional, personable and skilful. He makes sure you understand a procedure and always asks if you have any questions. He is also prepared to take on emergencies. My wife recently recommended him to a friend who needed an emergency procedure on a Saturday evening and he remained at his office to assist her. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a competent and caring dentist.
More
Theresa Lee
1 year ago
Dr Loo has been my dentist for over 12 years. I am always impressed by his consistency, dedication to his profession and genuine care for his patients. When discussing the procedure for either a root canal, bridge, crown or an extraction, he is patient and explains clearly all the options, pros/cons, and what to expect. During the procedure, he always makes sure you are fine and he is willing to make changes/adjustment for you to get the best results. He is very flexible to accommodate dental emergency requests and gives you a follow-up call himself after something serious such as a tooth extraction. All the staff on his team are friendly and helpful. Seeing a dentist is not a fun thing, however, I always feel reassured seeing Dr Loo, because I know I am in good hands. I highly recommend Dr Loo to anyone who is looking for a caring and competent dentist.
More
    Advocate Dental - Vancouver

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    Call 778-907-0734