Dental Sleep Medicine
At Prins Dental, we devote a specific segment of our dental practice to Dental Sleep Medicine. Dental Sleep Medicine is an area of dentistry that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, which includes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep-disordered breathing is a very common condition and continues to become even more common in the general population. Estimates range from 5% all the way up to 25% of the population may suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Undiagnosed OSA results in decreased oxygen levels while sleeping which in turn can lead to a whole host of other negative health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, diabetes, depression, worsening of ADHD, headaches, and more. In general, a lower quality of life is often reported due to consistent daytime fatigue as well as side effects from associated health problems.
Traditional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea has been continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP therapy. However, while some individuals can tolerate CPAP therapy, others are unable to. This has resulted in the need for alternative treatment options which is where a dentist trained in Dental Sleep Medicine becomes critical. Dentists work together with sleep physicians to identify the best treatment for each patient. Oral appliance therapy has been widely studied to be successful in many people suffering from sleep-disordered breathing. At Prins Dental, we are trained in Dental Sleep Medicine and use advanced equipment along with the highest quality dental labs to help achieve more restful sleep through oral appliance therapy. We have a passion to help those that need it most as sleep is critical to overall health and higher quality of life. Please call us with any questions you may have about oral appliance therapy and Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Prins is a member of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy.
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