If you or someone in your household snores loudly or wakes up feeling tired despite a full night's sleep, it might be more than just a nuisance. Instead, it could be a sign of a sleep-related breathing disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Cardinal Family Dentistry in Apex, we understand how sleep disturbances affect not just your oral health, but your overall quality of life. That’s why Dr. Sarah S. Barker and our team go beyond routine dental care to specialize in sleep medicine, offering solutions that prioritize comfort, education, and long-term wellness.
Many people are surprised to learn that their dentist can play a key role in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders. The mouth and jaws provide essential clues about how well you're breathing during the night, and dentists are often the first to notice signs of sleep-disordered breathing.
At Cardinal Family Dentistry, we’re trained to identify the oral and facial indicators often associated with OSA and other conditions that disrupt healthy sleep. During routine exams, we assess risk factors such as:
These physical signs, combined with your medical history and reported symptoms, help us determine if further sleep evaluation is necessary, especially if snoring or fatigue are negatively impacting your daily life.
Our team believes that healthy sleep is foundational to both dental and general health. True to our conservative philosophy, we approach sleep medicine with a focus on prevention and minimally invasive solutions.
Instead of rushing to surgical or CPAP interventions, we often begin with oral appliance therapy (OAT). This is a custom-fitted device that gently repositions the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Our prevention-first mindset means we also will:
This balanced, patient-centered strategy gives you the information and support to make the best decisions for your health, without pressure or unnecessary treatments.
If you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy, you’ll find the experience surprisingly simple and non-invasive. We design your appliance right here in our modern dental office, ensuring a precise, comfortable fit tailored to your airway anatomy and lifestyle habits. Some benefits of our custom sleep appliances include:
Your comfort and results are our priority. Dr. Barker and our team will guide you every step of the way, from initial impressions to ongoing adjustments, to ensure you’re breathing easier and sleeping better.
We know that seeking help for sleep problems can feel overwhelming, especially when snoring has been brushed off for years. That’s why our approach is always centered on trust, transparency, and education.
We take the time to explain how the pieces connect: how oral structure can impact airflow, how grinding might signal interrupted sleep, and how timely intervention prevents long-term health complications.
Our office is designed with your comfort in mind, featuring advanced dental technology and relaxing amenities to make every visit feel less clinical. We love serving families throughout the community, and we’re proud to offer comprehensive solutions, from general cleanings to restorative care and now, sleep medicine, all under one roof.
If snoring, exhaustion, or restless nights are holding you back, let Cardinal Family Dentistry help you find answers and long-term relief through our specialized dental sleep medicine services. Call us today at (919) 589-5001 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarah S. Barker and take the first step toward healthier sleep and better overall well-being.
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