192 E. Chestnut St., Asheville, NC 28801 
828-255-0936 
828-255-0936 If you wake up tired, snore loudly or struggle with poor sleep, sleep apnea may be affecting your health more than you realize. At Chestnut Family Dentistry, our dentists help patients in Asheville, NC, better understand sleep apnea concerns and explore dental treatment options that may support healthier breathing and better rest.
Sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to breathe properly during sleep, leading to repeated sleep disruptions and lower oxygen levels. Over time, untreated sleep apnea may affect your energy, focus, mood and overall wellness. If you are looking for sleep apnea treatment in Asheville, North Carolina, call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation.
Sleep Apnea Care in Asheville, NC
Sleep apnea is more than snoring. It is a sleep-related breathing disorder that can cause breathing to repeatedly pause or become shallow during sleep. These interruptions can prevent your body from getting the deep, restorative sleep it needs.
Many patients do not realize that dentists can play a role in identifying signs of sleep-disordered breathing and discussing treatment options related to the mouth, jaw and airway. At Chestnut Family Dentistry, our team takes time to listen to your symptoms, evaluate your oral structures and help you understand the next steps for your care.
Common Signs Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients notice obvious nighttime symptoms, while others mainly feel the effects during the day.
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth when waking
- Daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Restless sleep
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to talk with our team. We can help you understand whether your symptoms may be related to sleep apnea and whether additional evaluation is recommended.
Why Sleep Apnea Should Not Be Ignored
Quality sleep is essential for your body and mind. When breathing is interrupted during sleep, your body may not get the oxygen or rest it needs. This can leave you feeling exhausted and may place added stress on your overall health.
Sleep apnea has been associated with broader health concerns, which is why proper diagnosis and treatment are important. If you suspect sleep apnea, do not wait for symptoms to become worse. Call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
How A Dentist Can Help With Sleep Apnea Concerns
Dentists are trained to evaluate the mouth, jaw, bite and airway-related structures. During your visit, our dentists can look for signs that may be connected to sleep-disordered breathing, such as airway restriction, oral anatomy concerns, tooth wear or jaw-related issues.
Depending on your needs, we may discuss dental sleep apnea options, coordinate with a medical provider or recommend additional sleep evaluation. Our goal is to help you move toward the right solution safely and confidently.
Dental Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea
The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health. Some patients may benefit from a custom oral appliance designed to help keep the airway more open during sleep. Others may be interested in laser therapy options for snoring and airway-related concerns.
At Chestnut Family Dentistry, we offer NightLase for snoring and sleep apnea concerns for qualifying patients. NightLase uses advanced laser technology to gently tighten and tone soft tissues that may contribute to snoring and restricted airflow. Our team can help determine whether this option may be appropriate for your situation.
What To Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation begins with a conversation about your sleep, symptoms, health history and concerns. Our dentists will ask about snoring, fatigue, morning headaches, breathing interruptions and any previous sleep apnea diagnosis or treatment.
We will also evaluate your mouth, bite, jaw and airway-related anatomy. If dental treatment may be appropriate, we will explain your options clearly. If you need a formal sleep study or medical diagnosis, we will recommend that step before moving forward with treatment.
Benefits Of Seeking Care
Getting help for sleep apnea symptoms can make a meaningful difference in your daily life and long-term wellness. Depending on your needs, treatment may help:
- Improve sleep quality
- Reduce snoring
- Support healthier breathing during sleep
- Reduce morning headaches or dry mouth
- Improve daytime energy and focus
- Support better overall wellness
- Help your sleep partner rest more comfortably
Because sleep apnea can affect your health in many ways, early evaluation is important. Our team can help you understand what steps to take next.
Sleep Apnea And Your Oral Health
Sleep-disordered breathing may be connected to several oral health signs. Some patients with airway concerns also experience dry mouth, tooth grinding, jaw tension or worn teeth. These issues can affect the health, comfort and appearance of your smile over time.
During your exam, our team may recommend related care such as night guards, dental cleanings and exams or other services depending on what we find.
Why Patients Choose Chestnut Family Dentistry For Sleep Apnea Concerns
At Chestnut Family Dentistry, we take a whole-health approach to dentistry. Dr. Wendy Willoughby earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and postgraduate Advanced General Dentistry training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has practiced dentistry since 1987 and has completed training in Sleep Apnea — Fotona LightWalker NightLase® Therapy, laser dentistry, photobiomodulation and other modern 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 prevention, education, comfort and careful treatment planning.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that causes breathing to pause or become restricted during sleep. These interruptions can prevent the body from getting enough deep, restorative rest. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, morning headaches and daytime fatigue.
How do I know if I might have sleep apnea?
You may suspect sleep apnea if you snore loudly, wake up gasping, feel tired during the day or have been told that your breathing pauses during sleep. A formal diagnosis usually requires a sleep evaluation. Our dental team can discuss your symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps.
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Dentists can help with certain sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing concerns by evaluating the mouth, jaw and airway-related structures. Depending on your diagnosis and needs, dental treatment options may include oral appliance therapy or other supportive treatments. Medical evaluation may also be necessary.
What is NightLase?
NightLase is a noninvasive laser therapy designed to help reduce snoring and support airway comfort by gently tightening soft tissues in the throat and soft palate area. It may be an option for qualifying patients with snoring or certain airway-related concerns.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Snoring does not always mean you have sleep apnea, but it can be a warning sign, especially if it is loud, frequent or paired with gasping, pauses in breathing or daytime fatigue. A consultation can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Where can I get help for sleep apnea in Asheville, North Carolina?
Chestnut Family Dentistry helps patients explore dental options for sleep apnea and snoring concerns in Asheville, NC. Call 828-255-0936 to schedule a consultation with our dentists.
Schedule A Sleep Apnea Consultation In Asheville, North Carolina
If snoring, fatigue or poor sleep is affecting your daily life, Chestnut Family Dentistry can help you take the next step. Our team provides patient-focused care for sleep apnea in Asheville, NC, with an emphasis on comfort, education and whole-health support.
Call Chestnut Family Dentistry at 828-255-0936 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Willoughby or Dr. Bare.