Sleep Apnea Education
All About Sleep Apnea
Klooster Family Dentistry is passionate about educating our patients and the Holly Springs community about sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a serious condition that usually goes undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to stroke, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, and more.
Our mission is to educate patients about sleep apnea testing, diagnosis, and treatment options. Our experience has found that when a person can improve their sleep, they can improve every facet of their life. Your overall health relies on getting a good night’s sleep.
We treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy.
Driving Awareness
A staggering 81% of individuals who suffer from sleep apnea are undiagnosed.
- Patients lack education about signs, symptoms, and risk factors
- Sleep apnea and snoring are often confused
- Individuals aren’t aware of the long-term risks when untreated
- Testing options aren’t readily available
- People perceive sleep apnea as an issue that only affects men and heavier-set individuals
The Impact of Sleep Apnea
Daily Impacts of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Fatigue & Daytime Sleepiness
- Increased risk of automobile accidents and workplace incidents
- Inability to focus, concentrate, and perform your best
- Difficulty enjoying physical activities
- Irritability and mood swings
Serious Health Risks and Complications
Untreated or poorly treated obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk of developing:
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Type II Diabetes
- Stroke
- Erectile Dysfunction
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
It’s important to understand what risk factors put you at higher likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can be caused by several factors, which ultimately obstruct the airways and create sleep apnea events while you sleep. These factors can contribute to the condition over time.
Genetics & Demographics
Age, Gender (men or women after menopause), and Lifestyle can increase your risks for developing obstructive sleep apnea.
Preexisting Health Conditions
High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and chronic lung disease are 3 common health conditions leading to sleep apnea likelihood.
Lifestyle Factors
Large neck circumference, excess weight, and poor physical conditioning can all increase risks.
Anatomical Factors
Patients with crowded teeth, large tongues, chronic nasal congestion, and increased obstruction of airflow are more likely to test positively for obstructive sleep apnea.
You may have sleep apnea if you have one or more of these risk factors. Completing a sleep study can fully diagnose the extent of your condition.
Meet Dr. Klooster
Dr. Klooster is a leader in dental sleep medicine, offering non-invasive solutions for obstructive sleep apnea. In 2018, he completed the Mastery Course through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, specializing in oral sleep appliance therapy as a comfortable alternative to CPAP machines.
That same year, he earned the prestigious Diplomate title from the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine—an honor held by only a few providers in North Carolina. Dr. Klooster’s expertise and commitment ensure his patients receive top-level care and cutting-edge treatments for sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Signs & Symptoms
Understanding common sleep apnea signs and symptoms is one of the best ways to determine if it’s worth being seen by a certified sleep professional, such as Dr. Klooster.
Daily Effects
- Fatigue & Daytime Sleepiness
- Morning Headaches
- Dry Mouth & Sore Throat
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Irritability
Nighttime Symptoms
- Loud Snoring
- Teeth Grinding & Clenching
- Gasping & Choking While Asleep
- Poor Sleep Quality
- Erectile Dysfunction
Real Patient Stories
I discovered I had sleep apnea about four months ago. I was experiencing some tiredness, teeth grinding, and I talked to the hygienist and she recommended a sleep study. The sleep study went so great they did the prior authorization for me, they made the whole process very smooth and the insurance paid for almost everything! I was tired all the time, I was trying to work out to lose weight but I just couldn’t get to the gym I just felt so tired every night. When I got the sleep appliance created, I was able to start working out again. I wasn’t as tired in the mornings, I could actually get out of bed without hitting snooze four times which is really great, so I’m really thankful that they recommended the sleep study they found out I had sleep apnea and then they also had a solution for it. I’m just grateful for everything that they did.
Klooster Dentistry handled my oral appliance treatment and they were wonderful! Nicole made the experience even better because she was so personable and made me feel comfortable from the start. I would highly recommend them for any oral appliances!
Dr. Klooster and his staff provided outstanding service in my pursuit of a custom sleep apnea device to address my severe sleep apnea. I previously tried off-the-shelf devices which do not work consistently in the long run, if at all. I also evaluated other sources for a custom solution. Only Dr. Klooster was able to properly evaluate my needs, coordinate the necessary sleep test evaluations, effectively support and navigate the health insurance claims process and deliver a solution which completely eliminated my sleep apnea. This solution has been stable and sustained and has delivered substantial quality of life and health benefits to me for a condition that was probably undiagnosed for at least 15 years. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or are experiencing unreasonable fatigue or other related issues, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Klooster’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oral sleep appliances comfortable to wear?
Yes, oral sleep appliances are designed to be comfortable to wear. They are custom-fitted to your mouth and made from materials that are safe and non-toxic.
Are oral sleep appliances comfortable to wear?
Are oral sleep appliances effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring?
Yes, oral sleep appliances are effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. They are often used as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
How long do oral sleep appliances last?
Oral sleep appliances can last for several years with proper care and maintenance.
Can I travel with my oral sleep appliance?
Yes, oral sleep appliances are portable and easy to travel with. They come with a small case for storage and transport.
Are there any side effects of using an oral sleep appliance?
Some people may experience minor side effects such as dry mouth, excess salivation, or jaw discomfort. These side effects usually go away after a few days of use.
What if I normally wear a retainer at night —will I still need it with an oral sleep appliance?
Our oral sleep appliances are custom-fitted to your exact smile, so in many ways, they act like a retainer and help maintain your tooth alignment while you sleep. However, if you notice any slight shifting over time, we recommend wearing your retainer during the day for a few hours a week to keep everything in place. Our team will help you find the right balance to protect your smile and treat your sleep apnea effectively.
I wear a nightguard for grinding—can the oral sleep appliance replace it?
Yes! Your oral sleep appliance is custom-fitted and designed to also protect your teeth from grinding or clenching, so it will fully replace your nightguard! You won’t need to wear both—it does the job of a nightguard while also treating your sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Free Sleep Apnea Consultation
Schedule a complimentary phone consultation with our sleep coordinator to discuss your concerns, explore treatment options, and discuss next steps to get fitted for an oral sleep appliance.