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Sleep Apnea: How Your Dentist Can Help You Sleep Better and Breathe Easier

sleep apnea

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Key Points

 

  • Sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that impacts between 10 and 30 percent of the population.1
  • Many people underestimate two realities of sleep apnea: the health risks it presents, if left untreated, and how impactful noninvasive treatment (including those performed or prescribed by your dentist) can be. 
  • Having a fuller understanding of what sleep apnea is, its associated risks, and the appropriate treatments available to them can embolden patients to seek out solutions.

 

According to the American Medical Association, approximately 30 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, yet an estimated 80 percent of cases remain undiagnosed.2 This silent epidemic affects not only your quality of sleep but also your overall health, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.3 At Wells Family Dental in Raleigh, NC, we are committed to helping our patients recognize the signs of this serious condition and find effective solutions that go beyond traditional treatments.

Our dentist in Wake Forest can play a crucial role in identifying and treating sleep disorders. During routine dental examinations, we often notice early warning signs that patients and even their physicians might miss. From the size of your tongue to the shape of your jaw, your oral anatomy provides important clues about your breathing patterns during sleep. We have put together some basic information about sleep apnea, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the profound health benefits of seeking care.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night.4 These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. Each time your breathing stops, your brain briefly wakes you up to restart the breathing process, though you may not remember these awakenings in the morning.

The most common form of sleep apnea is “obstructive sleep apnea” (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing a physical blockage of your airway. Unlike “central sleep apnea,” which involves a communication problem between your brain and breathing muscles, obstructive sleep apnea is directly related to the physical structure of your mouth, throat, and jaw.5

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Many people suffer from sleep apnea symptoms for years without realizing what is causing their problems. The condition often develops gradually, and symptoms can be easy to dismiss or attribute to other factors like stress or aging. Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Nighttime Symptoms:tired woman

  • Loud, chronic snoring (though not everyone who snores has sleep apnea)
  • Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
  • Pauses in breathing witnessed by a bed partner
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Night sweats
  • Restless sleep or insomnia
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Daytime Symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness, even after a full night’s sleep
  • Morning headaches that typically fade as the day progresses
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
  • Irritability, mood changes, or depression
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Decreased libido

At Wells Family Dental, our Wake Forest dentists are trained to spot physical indicators during your regular checkups, including a scalloped tongue (teeth marks along the edges), redness in the throat, and wear patterns on teeth consistent with grinding.

The Importance of Getting a Sleep Apnea Test

If you are experiencing multiple symptoms, it is essential to get a sleep apnea test. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, which can be conducted either in a specialized sleep center (polysomnography) or at home with a portable monitoring device (home sleep apnea test).6

During a sleep study, various aspects of your sleep are monitored and recorded. These include:

  • Brain waves and eye movements
  • Heart rate and rhythm
  • Blood oxygen levels
  • Breathing patterns and airflow
  • Muscle activity
  • Body position during sleep

The results help determine not only whether you have sleep apnea but also its severity. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. At Wells, we can refer you to qualified sleep specialists for testing and work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

When most people think of sleep apnea treatment, they immediately picture a sleep apnea machine—specifically, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device. While CPAP therapy is indeed the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea, it is not the only option, and it is not always the best fit for every patient.

Understanding CPAP Therapy

A sleep apnea machine works by delivering a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask worn over your nose or mouth during sleep. This air pressure keeps your airway open, preventing the collapses that cause breathing interruptions.7 While highly effective, many patients struggle with CPAP compliance due to:

  • Discomfort wearing a mask throughout the night
  • Feelings of claustrophobia
  • Dry mouth or nasal congestion
  • Noise from the machine
  • Difficulty adjusting to the air pressure sensation

Sleep apnea therapy does not have to mean CPAP for everyone. At Wells Family Dental, we offer alternative solutions that many patients find more comfortable and sustainable for long-term use.

Oral Appliance Therapy

One of the most effective alternatives to CPAP is oral appliance therapy. Custom-fitted oral appliances, also called “mandibular advancement devices,” look similar to sports mouthguards or orthodontic retainers.8 These devices work by:dentist explaining sleep apnea treatment

  • Repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward
  • Preventing your tongue from blocking your airway
  • Keeping soft tissues in your throat from collapsing
  • Maintaining an open airway throughout the night

Oral appliances are particularly effective for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. The benefits include:

  • Comfortable and easy to wear
  • Portable and convenient for travel
  • Quiet operation (no noise to disturb you or your partner)
  • No electricity required
  • Easy to maintain and clean
  • High patient compliance rates

At Wells, we take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom appliance that fits comfortably and works effectively. We will also schedule follow-up appointments to make any necessary adjustments and ensure optimal results.

Oral Surgery

For some patients, sleep apnea surgery may be recommended when other treatments have failed or when specific anatomical issues are causing the obstruction. Surgical options include:

  • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): Removes excess tissue from the throat to widen the airway
  • Genioglossus Advancement: Repositions the tongue muscle attachment to prevent airway collapse9
  • Maxillomandibular Advancement: Moves the upper and lower jaw forward to enlarge the airway (this is a more extensive procedure typically reserved for severe cases)
  • Nasal Surgery: Corrects structural problems like a deviated septum that contribute to breathing difficulties

Your dentist can evaluate your oral and facial structure to help determine whether surgical intervention might be beneficial.

The Connection Between Dentistry and Sleep Health

You might wonder why you should see a dentist in Wake Forest for a sleep disorder rather than just consulting your primary care physician or a sleep specialist. The truth is that dental professionals have unique insights into sleep apnea for several important reasons:

  • Anatomical Expertise: Dentists have extensive training in the structure and function of your jaw, tongue, throat, and airway—all critical components in obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Early Detection: During routine dental exams, we can identify risk factors and early warning signs, including tooth wear from grinding, a narrow upper arch, large tonsils, or a large tongue.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: We can provide custom oral appliances, coordinate with sleep physicians, and monitor your progress over time.
  • Convenient Care: Rather than adding another specialist to your healthcare team, you can address sleep issues during your regular dental visits.

At Wells Family Dental, we believe in treating the whole patient, not just teeth. When we notice signs that might indicate sleep apnea, we take the time to discuss your symptoms, assess your risk factors, and recommend appropriate next steps.

Why Choose Wells Family Dental for Your Sleep Apnea Therapy?

As a trusted name in dentistry in Wake Forest NC, Wells Family Dental offers comprehensive care that extends beyond traditional dental services. Our commitment to your overall health means we stay current on the latest research and treatment options for sleep-disordered breathing.

Here is what sets us apart:

  • Advanced training in dental sleep medicine and oral appliance therapy
  • State-of-the-art technology for creating custom-fitted devices
  • Collaborative approach, working closely with sleep physicians and other specialists
  • Convenient location serving Wake Forest, along with six other locations throughout the Raleigh area
  • Compassionate care focused on finding solutions that fit your lifestyle
  • Ongoing support and follow-up to ensure treatment success

 

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Living with untreated sleep apnea does not just mean feeling tired—it significantly increases your risk of serious health complications, including high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and even premature death. The good news is that effective treatment can dramatically improve your quality of life, energy levels, and long-term health outcomes.

If you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or have been diagnosed but struggle with CPAP therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team at Wells Family Dental. As the best dentists Wake Forest NC has to offer, we will evaluate your unique situation and discuss all available treatment options.

Don’t let another night of poor sleep rob you of your health and vitality. Contact Wells Family Dental today to learn more about how oral appliance therapy and other dental solutions can help you breathe easier and sleep better.

References

  1. Sara Berg, MS, “What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea,” American Medical Association, November 2025, https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea.
  2. Ibid. 
  3. Esra Tasali, Sushmita Pamidi, Naima Covassin, and Vinrend K. Somers, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiometabolic Disease: Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes,” AHA/ASA Journals, American Heart Association, August 2025, https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.325676.
  4. Mayo Clinic Staff, “Sleep Apnea,” Mayo Clinic, April 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631.
  5. Kevin Asp, CRT, RPSGT, “Obstructive vs. Central Sleep Apnea: Key Differences and Treatment Options,” American Association of Sleep Technologists, November 2022, https://aastweb.org/obstructive-vs-central-sleep-apnea-key-differences-and-treatment-options/.
  6. Allen J. Blaivas, DO, “Polysomnography,” MedlinePlus.gov, May 2024, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003932.htm.
  7. “CPAP Machine,” The Cleveland Clinic, July 2024, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22043-cpap-machine.
  8. S. Raghavendra Jayesh and Wasim Manzoor Bhat,” Mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea: An overview,” Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences, April 2015, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4439678/.
  9. “Position Statement: Tongue-Based Procedures,” American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, November 2021, https://www.entnet.org/resource/position-statement-tounge-based-procedures/.
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