Sleep apnea · Lewes, DE
Sleep apnea therapy, for calmer nights.
Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless? You may be one of more than 12 million Americans affected by sleep apnea.
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Signs of sleep apnea
Contact us if you notice one or more of these.
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds in sleep
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Falling asleep during the day
- Extreme daytime drowsiness
Most people don’t know. The brief wake-ups are so short you may not remember them.
Types of sleep apnea
Your breathing stops, sometimes 20–30 times an hour.
Each pause drops your oxygen and briefly wakes your brain to restart breathing. The constant wake-sleep cycle keeps you from ever reaching deep sleep.
- Most common
Obstructive (OSA)
The most common type. A physical blockage, usually soft tissue collapsing at the back of the throat, stops your breathing.
- Less common
Central (CSA)
Breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain.
- Combination
Mixed or complex
A combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Why it matters
A serious condition, and a treatable one.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart failure and stroke. Ongoing fatigue can cause problems at work or school, and danger behind the wheel.
Before surgery or new medication, tell your doctor if you know or suspect you have sleep apnea. Anesthesia can be risky.
- More common in men
- More common over age 40
- Linked to excess weight
- Worsened by smoking and alcohol
- Worsened by sedatives
- Can run in families
How treatment works
From a referral to a restful night.
Treatment depends on how severe your sleep apnea is and which type you have.
Tell us your symptoms
If you or a family member shows signs of sleep apnea, contact us. We’ll talk through what you’re experiencing.
Referral and sleep study
We refer you to a sleep apnea specialist, who may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem.
A custom oral appliance
Depending on your diagnosis, we can custom-create an oral device that positions your mouth to prevent throat blockage.
Lifestyle changes
Losing weight, quitting smoking or sleeping on your side can also help. Severe cases may need surgery.
Related care
Better sleep, better health.
Snoring prevention
A comfortable device for quieter nights.
Occlusal guards
Protect your teeth from nighttime grinding.
TMJ / TMD treatment
Relief for jaw pain and morning headaches.
Prosthodontics
Specialist care that includes sleep disorders.
Oral & maxillofacial surgery
Surgical options for severe cases.
Common questions
Sleep apnea FAQ
Have another question about sleep apnea? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What is sleep apnea?
- A condition where your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20 to 30 times per hour. Each pause briefly wakes your brain to restart breathing, preventing deep sleep.
- How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
- Common signs include loud snoring, waking up short of breath, choking sounds at night, morning headaches and extreme daytime drowsiness. A sleep study confirms the diagnosis.
- Is sleep apnea dangerous?
- Yes. It’s considered a serious medical problem. Untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart failure and stroke, and fatigue can make driving dangerous.
- How can a dentist help with sleep apnea?
- We can refer you to a sleep specialist and, depending on your diagnosis, custom-create an oral device that positions your mouth to help keep your airway open.
- Who is at risk?
- Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in men and adults over 40, but anyone can have it. Obesity, smoking, drinking, sedatives and family history all raise the risk.
- What should I do if a family member snores and stops breathing?
- Contact our practice. We can refer them to a sleep apnea specialist for evaluation and a sleep study.
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Tired of feeling tired?
Call our team at Carpenter’s Crossing in Lewes. We’ll help you find answers and a better night’s sleep.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed