Sleep Apnea Treatment

For appropriate patients, oral appliance therapy can offer a comfortable, convenient alternative to CPAP. We explain how treatment works, what to expect during your evaluation, and how follow-up care helps support long-term results.

Why Is Sleep Apnea Treatment Important?

Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can prevent restful, restorative sleep and may contribute to daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, loud snoring, and morning headaches.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is also associated with broader health concerns, including cardiovascular health. Seeking treatment can help improve sleep quality, reduce symptoms, and support better overall well-being.

Can a Dentist Treat Sleep Apnea?

Dentists can play an important role in treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. These custom devices gently reposition the jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep.

Oral appliances are commonly considered for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for some people who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

At Schenk Family Dentistry, we coordinate with physicians and sleep specialists when appropriate to ensure your care is based on an accurate sleep apnea diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

A custom oral appliance is worn while you sleep and is designed to help maintain an open airway by repositioning the lower jaw.

We use our iTero Digital Scanner to capture detailed information about your teeth and bite so your appliance can be designed for a precise fit. When indicated, our Planmeca low-dose CBCT scanner may also be used to evaluate relevant oral and airway anatomy.

For many patients, oral appliance therapy can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality while offering a compact, easy-to-use treatment option.

What to Expect at Your Sleep Apnea Evaluation

Your first visit focuses on understanding your symptoms, reviewing your dental health, and determining whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate.

During your visit, we may:

• Review your symptoms, sleep history, partner observations, and previous sleep study results
• Examine your teeth, jaw, bite, and airway
• Use digital imaging when appropriate
• Discuss oral appliance options and the expected treatment timeline

If you have not had a recent sleep study, we may help coordinate testing with a sleep physician. Sleep apnea must be medically diagnosed before appropriate treatment can be planned.

How Is Sleep Apnea Evaluated?

A complete sleep apnea evaluation combines medical testing with a dental assessment.

At Schenk Family Dentistry, we may use screening questionnaires, a clinical airway evaluation, digital scans with our iTero system, and low-dose CBCT imaging when indicated. These tools help us evaluate your dental anatomy and determine whether you may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy.

Your sleep physician or other qualified medical provider uses sleep testing to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Once a diagnosis is available, we can work with you and your medical team to determine whether a custom oral appliance fits your treatment needs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Oral Appliance?

Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for adults who:

• Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Snore regularly
• Wake up gasping or choking
• Experience excessive daytime sleepiness
• Have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy
• Want to explore a compact, non-mask treatment option

Your dental health, jaw structure, sleep study results, and overall treatment needs all help determine whether an oral appliance is right for you.

Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Support

Sleep apnea treatment does not end when you receive your appliance. Follow-up care helps make sure the device remains comfortable, effective, and appropriate for your dental health.

During follow-up visits, we may:

• Adjust the appliance for comfort and effectiveness
• Monitor your teeth and bite for changes
• Review improvements in symptoms
• Coordinate follow-up sleep testing when appropriate
• Communicate with your sleep physician as needed

Our goal is to provide ongoing support so your treatment continues to fit your needs over time.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Mount Airy, NC

If snoring, poor sleep, or daytime fatigue are affecting your quality of life, Schenk Family Dentistry can help you explore your options for sleep apnea treatment in Mount Airy, NC.

Dr. Sydney Schenk and our team will review your history, evaluate your dental and airway health, and explain whether oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for you.

Call Schenk Family Dentistry today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation and learn more about your treatment options.