Sleep Apnea
Welcome to Acorn Dental in Marlton, NJ, where our specialty addresses sleep apnea. Led by our experienced sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Woodfork, our team is dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatment options for individuals struggling with this common sleep disorder. With our comprehensive approach to sleep apnea care and advanced technology, we strive to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re seeking relief from obstructive, central, or mixed sleep apnea, we’re here to guide you on your journey to better sleep and enhanced quality of life.

What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions, or apneas, can last from a few seconds to over a minute and occur multiple times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This condition typically occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, eventually causing the airway to become blocked or narrowed. As a result, this leads to pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA is characterized by a disruption in the brain’s signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in temporary lapses in breathing during sleep. Unlike OSA, there is no physical obstruction in the airway.
- Mixed Sleep Apnea: Mixed sleep apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, combines obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing sleep apnea, including:
- Obesity
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking
- Alcohol and sedative use
- Nasal congestion
- Genetic predisposition
- Age (Higher risk in older adults)
- Gender (More common in men)
Symptoms and Health Consequences
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
Sleep apnea can cause serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Identifying the symptoms and seeking professional help play a crucial role in maintaining your health.
Sleep Apnea Treatments at Acorn Dental
At Acorn Dental, we offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific needs. We aim to provide effective solutions that enhance sleep quality and overall health.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
For severe sleep apnea, doctors often recommend CPAP therapy as an effective treatment. Patients wear a mask over their nose and mouth, connected to a machine for airflow. This machine delivers continuous air to keep the airway open during sleep. Many consider CPAP the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment, but some find it cumbersome. At Acorn Dental, we guide and support patients in adapting to this treatment effectively.
Lifestyle Changes and Weight Management
Sometimes, lifestyle changes can greatly reduce sleep apnea symptoms. Our team will create a personalized plan. This plan may include weight management, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption for better sleep quality.
Surgical Options
Surgical options may be considered for severe cases when other treatments have failed. These procedures may remove excess tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant airway muscle-stimulating devices. If needed, our sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Woodfork, will discuss the best surgical options.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Process
Getting treatment for sleep apnea at Acorn Dental is a straightforward process designed to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Begin your journey to better sleep by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Woodfork in Marlton. During this visit, you can discuss sleep-related symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you have. Dr. Woodfork, a top sleep apnea dentist, will perform a thorough examination to assess your health.
Step 2: Sleep Study
To accurately diagnose sleep apnea and understand your sleep patterns, you will undergo a sleep study known as polysomnography. This study is conducted in the comfort of your own home, allowing for a more natural sleep environment. Throughout the study, various parameters, including your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep stages, will be monitored to comprehensively analyze your sleep quality and potential sleep disorders.
Step 3: Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment Plan
After completing your sleep study, Dr. Woodfork will carefully review the results to diagnose the severity and type of sleep apnea you may have. With this information, he will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences. This plan may include a combination of lifestyle adjustments, CPAP treatment, or other interventions as deemed necessary.
Step 4: Custom Treatment Implementation
Our dedicated team and sleep apnea dentist will provide comprehensive instructions and ongoing support for those prescribed CPAP therapy to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in using the device correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Ongoing Monitoring
Your journey to better sleep continues after your diagnosis and treatment begin. Regular follow-ups help monitor progress, address concerns, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Dr. Woodfork, our sleep apnea dentist, and our team provide ongoing support and guidance. We are committed to helping you achieve better sleep and overall health.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treating sleep apnea can profoundly impact your health and quality of life in numerous ways. Here, we outline the key benefits of undergoing sleep apnea treatment:
- Improved Sleep Quality and Restfulness:Effective treatment restores normal breathing during sleep, ensuring uninterrupted rest and better sleep quality.
With treatment, you wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for the day ahead. - Enhanced Daytime Alertness and Productivity: Addressing sleep apnea will reduce daytime fatigue and sleepiness. By getting more sleep at night, you can expect heightened alertness, which translates to improved productivity, concentration, and the ability to engage fully in daily activities without feeling sluggish or lethargic.
- Reduced Risk of Serious Health Issues: Untreated sleep apnea is closely associated with a range of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, you can significantly lower your risk of developing these severe conditions by undergoing treatment and, in turn, promoting better long-term health.
- Improved Mood and Mental Well-Being: Quality sleep is essential for optimal mental health. Treating sleep apnea can alleviate mood swings, irritability, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a more positive outlook and improved overall well-being.
- Lowered Risk of Accidents and Injury: Daytime drowsiness resulting from untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of accidents, particularly while driving or operating heavy machinery. By addressing sleep apnea with treatment, you can stay more alert and focused throughout the day, reducing the risk of accidents and potential injury to yourself and others.
By understanding these benefits of sleep apnea treatment, you can take proactive steps to prioritize your health and well-being, ultimately enjoying a better quality of life and improved overall health outcomes.
Sleep Apnea Dentist in Marlton, NJ
At Acorn Dental, we know good sleep is important for your health and well-being. Dr. Sherly, our owner, and Dr. Woodfork, our sleep apnea dentist, offer expert care. We proudly provide personalized sleep apnea treatment designed to meet your unique needs.
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life any longer. Schedule an appointment with us today to take the first step toward better sleep and improved health.