How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. This can lead to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, irritability, headaches, and serious long-term health risks if left untreated. Fortunately, sleep apnea is highly treatable, and the right treatment can help you sleep better, breathe easier, and wake up feeling refreshed. At Woodfield Dental in London, Ontario, we specialize in comfortable, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment options, including custom oral appliances. Here’s how sleep apnea is treated and what solutions may be right for you.

Understanding Sleep Apnea Treatment

The goal of sleep apnea treatment is simple:

Keep the airway open during sleep.

Because most cases of sleep apnea are caused by the tongue or soft tissues relaxing in the throat and blocking airflow, treatment focuses on improving airflow and preventing airway obstruction.

Common Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

1. Oral Appliance Therapy (Custom Sleep Appliance)

Ideal for: Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea This is one of the most comfortable and effective treatment options — especially for patients who prefer a non-invasive solution. A custom dental sleep appliance is worn at night and works by:
  • Gently repositioning the lower jaw forward 
  • Preventing the tongue from collapsing into the airway 
  • Helping air move freely during sleep 
Benefits include:
  • Small and easy to travel with 
  • Quiet and comfortable 
  • No mask, tubes, or machine 
  • Often easier to use consistently than CPAP 
Woodfield Dental offers professionally fitted custom oral sleep appliances designed specifically for your bite and airway structure.

2. CPAP Therapy

Ideal for: Moderate to severe sleep apnea A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine uses gentle air pressure to hold the airway open during sleep. Benefits:
  • Very effective when worn properly 
Challenges:
  • Some patients find the mask uncomfortable 
  • Can cause dryness or noise disruption 
For patients who struggle with CPAP, an oral appliance may be used instead of or along with CPAP therapy for improved comfort.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

These support treatment and can help reduce symptoms:
  • Sleeping on your side instead of your back 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight 
  • Avoiding alcohol before bed 
  • Establishing a consistent sleep schedule 
These changes cannot cure sleep apnea, but they can reduce its severity.

4. Surgical Treatment (Less Common)

In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to:
  • Remove enlarged tonsils 
  • Reshape airway tissues 
  • Correct structural issues 
This option is typically considered only when other treatments are not effective.

Why Oral Appliance Therapy Is Often the Preferred Solution

Many patients choose oral appliance therapy because:
  • It is custom-made for comfort 
  • It improves sleep without interrupting it 
  • It reduces snoring for both the patient and their partner 
  • It is easy to use every night — which leads to better long-term results 
At Woodfield Dental, we work closely with sleep physicians to confirm diagnosis and ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective.

Sleep Apnea Treatment at Woodfield Dental in London, Ontario

If you snore loudly, wake up tired, or feel fatigued during the day, sleep apnea may be affecting your sleep quality. Our team provides:
  • Airway evaluation 
  • Collaboration with sleep specialists 
  • Custom oral sleep appliance design and fitting 
  • Long-term support and follow-up care 
Our goal is to help you sleep deeper, breathe easier, and feel healthier.

Improve Your Sleep — Improve Your Life

Treating sleep apnea can lead to:
  • Higher daytime energy 
  • Improved concentration 
  • Better mood and emotional balance 
  • Reduced risk of heart and metabolic conditions 
  • A more restful, restorative night’s sleep 

Book a Sleep Apnea Consultation at Woodfield Dental

Let’s help you get the rest you deserve.