Sleep Apnea Treatment in Asheville, NC

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, our dentists help patients explore treatment options for sleep apnea in Asheville, North Carolina, including oral appliance therapy and NightLase® treatment. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can reduce oxygen levels, disrupt sleep quality, and affect your health, energy, focus, and daily life. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are looking for treatment options beyond CPAP, call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation.

Many patients do not realize they have sleep apnea until a spouse, partner, or family member notices loud snoring, gasping, or long pauses in breathing during sleep. Others know something is wrong because they wake up exhausted, have morning headaches, or struggle with daytime fatigue. At Chestnut Family Dentistry, we work with patients and their physicians to provide comfortable, custom treatment options that can help improve airflow and support healthier sleep.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep breathing disorder characterized by repeated pauses and interruptions in breathing during sleep. These breathing disruptions can happen many times each night and may last for several seconds or longer. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, often because the soft tissues in the throat collapse and restrict airflow.

Because the body is repeatedly forced to wake slightly in order to resume normal breathing, people with sleep apnea often do not reach the deep, restorative stages of sleep they need. Even if they think they slept through the night, they may wake up feeling tired, foggy, and unrested.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is common, but many people who have it are never formally diagnosed. In many cases, it is first recognized by someone else who notices unusual breathing patterns during sleep. Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring, especially when combined with pauses in breathing
• Gasping, choking, or snorting during sleep
• Waking up feeling like you barely slept
• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Restless sleep
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Mood changes, including anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Falling asleep while driving, reading, or working

If you or a loved one notices these symptoms, it is important to seek evaluation. Untreated sleep apnea can affect much more than sleep alone.

How Sleep Apnea Can Affect Your Health

Sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Because healthy sleep supports nearly every system in the body, repeated oxygen disruption and poor sleep quality can contribute to both physical and psychological concerns. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to increased risk for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and cardiovascular strain
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Weight gain and obesity
• Liver problems
• Poor concentration and memory issues
• Anxiety and depression
• Immune, digestive, and nervous system stress
• Excessive daytime drowsiness

Poor sleep has also been associated with reduced workplace performance, driving impairment, and increased risk of accidents. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, getting a diagnosis and appropriate treatment can make a meaningful difference in both your quality of sleep and your long-term health.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed

Our office can help provide treatment options for diagnosed sleep apnea, but diagnosis itself must come from a physician or sleep specialist. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, we recommend speaking with your doctor first. They can help arrange a sleep study or refer you to a sleep physician for further evaluation.

Once you have received a diagnosis, our dentists can work with you and your physician to determine whether an oral appliance, NightLase therapy, or another supportive option may be appropriate.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for sleep apnea, and the right one depends on the severity of the condition, the structure of the airway, and how well you tolerate different therapies.

CPAP Therapy

The gold standard for sleep apnea treatment is the CPAP machine, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP delivers a steady flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. While it can be highly effective, many patients find it uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate consistently.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be a comfortable alternative. A custom appliance such as a snore guard is designed to help keep the airway open while you sleep. Because these appliances are custom fit, they are often more comfortable and easier to use consistently than CPAP for the right patient.

NightLase® Therapy

Another option we offer is NightLase® therapy. This advanced laser treatment works by tightening the soft tissues of the throat to help reduce airway collapse during sleep. NightLase is noninvasive and may be a good fit for certain patients who want a more conservative option or who have difficulty tolerating CPAP or a traditional appliance alone.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy is one of the most common alternatives to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances are custom made to fit comfortably in the mouth and are designed to support a more open airway during sleep.

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, we can help determine whether oral appliance therapy may be a good option after you have been properly diagnosed. For some patients, oral appliance treatment is a practical, convenient, and comfortable way to manage symptoms and improve sleep quality.

NightLase for Sleep Apnea and Snoring

For patients interested in a more technology-driven treatment option, NightLase may be recommended as part of a treatment plan. NightLase uses Fotona® laser technology to tighten the soft tissues at the back of the mouth and throat. This helps reduce tissue collapse and support improved airflow while sleeping.

NightLase may also be helpful for patients who snore or who want an option that does not involve a mask, surgery, or significant downtime. To learn more about this treatment, visit our NightLase page.

Who May Be a Candidate for Treatment at Chestnut Family Dentistry?

Patients who have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to explore alternatives or complements to CPAP may be good candidates for care at Chestnut Family Dentistry. We often work with patients who:

• Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• Snore heavily and want to explore airway-related treatment options
• Cannot tolerate CPAP therapy
• Want to learn more about oral appliance therapy
• Are interested in NightLase as part of a broader treatment plan

Because treatment should be based on diagnosis and medical guidance, we always encourage patients to begin with their physician or sleep specialist if they have not already completed a sleep study.

Why Patients Choose Chestnut Family Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Treatment

At Chestnut Family Dentistry, sleep apnea treatment is part of our broader commitment to advanced, patient-centered dental care. Dr. Wendy Willoughby earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and postgraduate Advanced General Dentistry training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has completed extensive continuing education in modern dental technology and specialized care, including Sleep Apnea — Fotona LightWalker NightLase® Therapy, laser dentistry, Guided Biofilm Therapy, CEREC, and other advanced treatment methods.

Dr. Teresa Bare also brings decades of clinical experience, a hospital-based general practice residency, and more than 1,450 hours of continuing education focused on comprehensive patient care. Together, our doctors emphasize patient education, comfort, thoughtful treatment planning, and modern technology that supports better long-term health.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often because the airway becomes blocked or narrowed.

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Common warning signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, fatigue, morning headaches, dry mouth, poor concentration, and waking up feeling unrested.

Do I need a diagnosis before treatment?

Yes. A sleep physician or medical doctor must diagnose sleep apnea. Once you have a diagnosis, our office can help you explore treatment options such as oral appliance therapy or NightLase.

Is CPAP the only treatment for sleep apnea?

No. CPAP is considered the gold standard, but some patients may also benefit from oral appliance therapy, NightLase, or other treatment approaches depending on their needs and diagnosis.

Can a dentist help with sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists can help provide oral appliance therapy and certain other treatment options for diagnosed sleep apnea, often in coordination with a physician or sleep specialist.

Where can I get sleep apnea treatment in Asheville, North Carolina?

Chestnut Family Dentistry offers sleep apnea treatment options in Asheville, North Carolina, including oral appliances and NightLase therapy for qualifying patients. Call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Asheville, North Carolina

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and want to learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to contact Chestnut Family Dentistry. Our team will be happy to discuss oral appliance therapy, NightLase, and other approaches that may help you get better rest and improve your quality of life.

Call Chestnut Family Dentistry at 828-255-0936 today for more information about sleep apnea treatment in Asheville, North Carolina, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wendy Willoughby or Dr. Teresa Bare.