Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hickory, NC
Poor sleep is about far more than feeling tired. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health risks including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC, we offer custom oral appliance therapy — a comfortable, effective, non-invasive alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your evaluation today.
Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hickory, NC
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly collapses or becomes obstructed during sleep, causing breathing to stop — sometimes hundreds of times per night. Each time breathing pauses, the brain briefly rouses the person from sleep to reopen the airway. These interruptions are often too brief to be consciously remembered, leaving many patients genuinely unaware that anything is wrong — even as the cumulative effects of disrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation quietly take a toll on their health. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC , we offer an effective, patient-friendly dental approach to managing sleep apnea that has helped countless patients reclaim their rest and protect their long-term wellbeing.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most well-known symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring — but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores loudly. Other common signs include waking repeatedly during the night, waking with a headache or dry mouth, excessive daytime sleepiness despite what seems like adequate sleep time, difficulty concentrating, irritability or mood changes, and witnessed pauses in breathing reported by a bed partner. Children with sleep apnea may present differently — with behavioral issues, difficulty focusing in school, and bedwetting rather than the classic adult symptoms. If you or your partner has noticed any of these signs, a formal evaluation is warranted. While Dr. Millsaps cannot diagnose sleep apnea — diagnosis requires a sleep study ordered by a physician — he can identify signs of the condition during a dental exam and coordinate care with your primary care provider or sleep specialist.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy — in which a machine delivers pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep — is the most widely prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. While CPAP is highly effective when used consistently, many patients struggle with compliance: the mask can feel claustrophobic, the machine requires maintenance, and it’s impractical for travel. Studies consistently show that a significant percentage of CPAP users do not use the device consistently enough to gain its full therapeutic benefit. Oral appliance therapy offers a compelling alternative for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. A custom oral appliance is a small, comfortable device similar in appearance to a sports mouth guard or a dental retainer. It fits over the upper and lower teeth and works by gently repositioning the jaw slightly forward during sleep, which prevents the tongue and soft tissue of the throat from collapsing into the airway. By keeping the airway open, the appliance allows for uninterrupted breathing and restful sleep. The appliance is custom-fabricated from precise digital impressions of your teeth, ensuring an exact fit that stays comfortably in place throughout the night without causing pressure or discomfort. Unlike CPAP, it requires no electricity, no mask, and no tubing — it fits in a small case that travels effortlessly in a pocket or purse.
The Oral Appliance Process at Hickory Dentistry
Getting started with oral appliance therapy at Hickory Dentistry begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Millsaps will review your symptoms, medical history, and any sleep study results you’ve received. If a formal diagnosis hasn’t been made yet, he will coordinate a referral to your physician for a sleep study. Once a diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea has been confirmed and oral appliance therapy has been identified as appropriate, we proceed with taking digital impressions of your teeth and recording your bite relationship. These records are sent to a specialized dental laboratory where your custom appliance is fabricated. At your fitting appointment, Dr. Millsaps places the appliance, checks the fit and comfort, and makes any needed adjustments. Follow-up visits are scheduled to fine-tune the jaw position and ensure the appliance is providing optimal therapeutic benefit. Ongoing monitoring — including coordination with your physician — is part of our long-term management approach. We serve patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. Call (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hickory, NC
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
A dentist cannot diagnose sleep apnea — that requires a sleep study and a physician’s evaluation. However, dentists like Dr. Millsaps play an important role in treating mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy. After a diagnosis has been confirmed by a physician or sleep specialist, Hickory Dentistry can fabricate a custom oral appliance that repositions the jaw during sleep to keep the airway open and reduce or eliminate apnea events.
How is an oral appliance different from a CPAP machine?
A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air through a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth to keep the airway open. An oral appliance is a small, custom-fitted dental device worn in the mouth that repositions the lower jaw forward to prevent airway collapse. Oral appliances are quieter, require no electricity, are portable and travel-friendly, and are generally more comfortable for patients who struggle with CPAP masks. They are best suited for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases.
Is oral appliance therapy effective for sleep apnea?
Yes — for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is well-supported by clinical research as an effective treatment that meaningfully reduces apnea events, improves sleep quality, and decreases daytime sleepiness. Compliance rates with oral appliances tend to be significantly higher than with CPAP, which is an important practical consideration. Dr. Millsaps monitors your response to treatment over time and coordinates with your physician to ensure you’re achieving the desired outcomes.
What are the health risks of untreated sleep apnea?
Untreated obstructive sleep apnea carries significant health risks beyond fatigue and poor sleep quality. It is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during apnea events place significant stress on the cardiovascular system. Sleep apnea also increases the risk of accidents due to impaired alertness and concentration. Treating sleep apnea is not merely a quality-of-life issue — it is an important health intervention.
Will my insurance cover oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea?
Many medical insurance plans — including Medicare — cover oral appliance therapy for diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea when provided by a qualified dentist. Coverage varies by plan, and medical rather than dental insurance typically applies. Our team at Hickory Dentistry will help you navigate your insurance coverage and provide the documentation needed to support your claim. Call (828) 322-2977 to discuss your specific situation, and we’ll do our best to make treatment as accessible as possible.
How long does it take to adjust to wearing an oral appliance?
Most patients adapt to wearing their oral appliance within one to two weeks. Some initial awareness of the device and mild jaw soreness in the morning — particularly during the first few weeks as the jaw muscles adjust to the new position — is common and typically resolves quickly. If significant discomfort persists, contact Hickory Dentistry at (828) 322-2977 so we can make adjustments. Follow-up appointments are an important part of the oral appliance process and help us fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Do you provide sleep apnea oral appliances for patients from Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls?
Hickory Dentistry provides custom oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea for patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover. If you or your partner has noticed signs of sleep apnea — snoring, gasping, or excessive daytime sleepiness — call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online. Better sleep and better health are within reach.
