An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, and nearly 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. Many people don’t realize that untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health risks. At Massa Dental Center, we support patients through dental care in Naples, FL—an approach that considers the airway, bite, jaw joints, and overall oral system, not just individual teeth. For individuals throughout across Collier County, early screening plays a key role in protecting both long-term oral health and whole-body wellness. Dental Sleep Medicine fits seamlessly into this model of care, offering a non-invasive, custom-fit treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, especially when CPAP therapy is difficult to tolerate. By recognizing symptoms early and pursuing complete-system support through comprehensive dental care in Naples, FL, patients can reduce strain, protect their health, and address the root cause of nighttime breathing disruptions.

Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

At a Naples, FL family dental office, caring for patients means looking beyond teeth alone. Sleep-disordered breathing can affect adults, children, and expectant mothers, so recognizing symptoms early helps protect long-term oral and overall health. Untreated sleep apnea is connected to several serious conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular Risks: Untreated sleep apnea causes repeated oxygen drops at night, forcing the heart to work harder and triggering stress hormone surges that elevate blood pressure. Over time, this strain increases the risk of heart disease, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Consistent treatment helps reduce nightly stress on the cardiovascular system and lowers the chance of long-term heart complications.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea disrupts glucose metabolism and increases insulin resistance, making it easier for type 2 diabetes to develop. Because diabetes and weight concerns are closely connected, many patients with one condition are more likely to have the other. Treating sleep apnea can improve metabolic stability, boost energy, and support healthier habits that help regulate blood sugar.
  • Glaucoma: Sleep apnea may increase optic nerve stress due to oxygen deprivation, and research shows a strong association between sleep apnea and glaucoma risk. When sleep apnea is undiagnosed, pressure-based therapies like CPAP may accelerate glaucoma progression in some individuals. Regular screenings and accurate diagnosis for both conditions are recommended to protect long-term eye health.
  • Pregnancy Complications: Sleep apnea can develop before or during pregnancy, and when left untreated, it reduces oxygen levels for both mother and baby. This raises the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, high blood pressure, stroke, and other serious complications. Early testing and consistent treatment use during pregnancy are critical for maternal and infant health.
  • Liver Damage: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to repeated oxygen deprivation, which can worsen inflammation and liver stress. Patients who already have NAFLD may experience faster disease progression when sleep apnea remains untreated. Using prescribed therapy consistently can help limit additional liver damage and reduce long-term complications.
  • Cognitive & Mental Health Complications: Sleep apnea disrupts restorative sleep, which can lead to memory challenges, slower processing, reduced focus, difficulty reasoning, and increased rates of depression. Chronic sleep disruption may also raise the risk of cognitive decline over time. Proper treatment improves sleep quality and supports brain health, mood stability, and daily mental performance.

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Relief

Mandibular advancement oral appliances are custom-fit, removable devices worn at night to support natural airway space by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue. This increases airflow, helping prevent the breathing interruptions caused by obstructive sleep apnea. They are FDA-cleared for mild to moderate sleep apnea and frequently prescribed for severe cases when CPAP cannot be tolerated.

Because oral appliances are small, quiet, mask-free, and easy to transport, patients often find them more comfortable for sleeping and traveling. Most side effects—like temporary jaw soreness, tooth pressure, or excess saliva—can be improved with adjustments by a dentist trained in Dental Sleep Medicine. For patients in Naples and throughout Collier County, this therapy offers a practical, non-invasive path to better oxygen levels, reduced snoring, fewer morning headaches, and improved daytime energy.

If you’re considering CPAP alternatives, oral appliance therapy may be an ideal next step before your clinical evaluation.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Naples, FL

Dr. James W. Massa, based in Naples, FL, is an esteemed member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). His expertise in dental sleep medicine allows him to offer comprehensive care for patients experiencing sleep apnea and related conditions. If you exhibit any of the symptoms of sleep apnea such as snoring, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, gasping for air during sleep, choking or coughing during sleep, dry mouth upon waking, or irritability during the day, you might have sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to more serious health risks.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment at Massa Dental Center for an evaluation. As part of our commitment to your well-being, Dr. Massa may refer you to a physician for a home sleep test and provide a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, we offer several custom-fit oral appliances to help you manage the condition and improve your sleep quality.

Please contact our Naples sleep dentists today at (239) 597-7333 to book an appointment.