Professional Sleep Apnea Treatment In Concord, NC

If you’re seeking effective sleep apnea treatment in Concord, NC, Dr. Clifford C. Compton III, DDS, PA, offers personalized dental solutions to help you achieve restful sleep and improved overall health. Sleep apnea, a condition affecting an estimated 22 million Americans, can significantly impact your quality of life. As a dedicated sleep apnea dentist in Concord, NC, Dr. Compton provides customized, non-invasive treatments tailored to your specific needs. We proudly offer sleep apnea treatment in Concord, NC, providing solutions that aim to enhance your sleep quality and overall well-being. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward better sleep.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disruption in breathing that occurs while attempting to sleep. Snoring is a result of partial blockage of the upper airway. During sleep, muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of the throat can sag, narrowing the airway. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula), and the throat vibrate—a sound known as snoring. If these symptoms sound familiar, a Sleep Apnea Dentist can help evaluate your condition and offer effective treatment options.

What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem—OSA. This is where the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath.

There are three types of OSA: upper airway obstructive, central, and mixed. A machine using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is often prescribed for patients with sleep apnea. The apparatus consists of a facemask, headgear to hold the mask in place, and a flexible hose running to the machine. It is a very effective treatment, but only if you can wear it and sleep comfortably. For those patients that are unable to tolerate the CPAP, a Sleep Apnea Specialist like Dr. Compton can construct an oral appliance, the SomnoDent MAS, a mandibular advancement appliance. He has worn this appliance himself for two years and cannot get along without it.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition and has been linked to excessive tiredness, depression, and reduced resistance to infection. OSA is a medical condition and cannot be diagnosed by a dentist. Dr. Compton advises that all patients undergo a sleep study, prior to oral device therapy for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Concord NC.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Although dentists are not authorized to diagnose sleep apnea, they play a crucial role in helping manage the condition once it has been properly diagnosed. The process begins with an accurate diagnosis, usually conducted through an overnight or at-home sleep study overseen by a qualified sleep specialist. Based on the findings, patients are often advised to adopt certain lifestyle changes—such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol before bed, and adjusting sleep positions—to improve their symptoms.

The most widely recommended treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. This method involves wearing a face mask connected to a machine that keeps the airway open during sleep. However, many individuals struggle with the discomfort or inconvenience of using CPAP equipment regularly.

For those seeking an alternative, Dr. Compton—a trusted dentist in Concord, NC—offers effective Sleep Apnea Dentistry solutions. These may include custom-made oral appliances that help maintain an open airway, offering a more comfortable and convenient option for managing sleep apnea.

Schedule an Appointment

Get in touch with Dr. Compton and the entire team today to schedule a consultation if you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea. Let us discuss the available options with you right away. We serve Concord, NC, and nearby areas.