Treatment of Sleep Apnea

  

 

 

Snoring & Sleep Apnea - Nuisance Or Disease Continuum?
Two-thirds of partnered adults say their other half snores, while six out of 10 of all adults (59%) say they snore. Sleep apnea may be present in 20-40% of the adult population that experience snoring.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 45 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder that causes a person to briefly and repeatedly stop breathing during sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a debilitating, often life-threatening  sleep disorder; an estimated 800,000 patients are diagnosed with OSA each year in the U.S. and approximately 10% are being treated.

Primary care practices are not actively screening patients for OSA which leaves a large void in the number of patients being identified with this killer disease. OSA has directly been linked through numerous research papers to stroke, heart disease, hypertension, impotence, and diabetes. For those patients who have been diagnosed and have had Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) recommended, may be intolerant of the therapy, and are currently going without therapy.  There are millions of patients who need treatment, including those who cannot tolerate their CPAP machines and are looking for alternatives. The dental practice is a prime portal to not only screen and identify patients at risk, but to offer clinically proven therapy with oral appliances.

Dentists start the implementation process which involves asking questions, observing, communicating, initiating systems, and offering solutions. The following questions should be asked:  

• Have you been told you snore?
• Are you excessively tired during the day?
• Have you ever had a sleep study?
• Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea?
• Do you wear a CPAP?

If any answers are “yes” to any of these questions, the dentist can look for signs in these patients, like wear facets (bruxing), periodontal disease, a large neck, obesity, scalloped large tongue, red and inflamed uvula, and enlarged tonsils.

 Risk Factors:

• Excess weight. Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. However, not everyone who has sleep apnea is overweight. Thin people develop this disorder, too.
• Neck circumference. People with a thicker neck may have a narrower airway.
• A narrowed airway. You may have inherited a naturally narrow throat. Or your tonsils or adenoids may become enlarged, which can block your airway.
• Being male. Men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea. However, women increase their risk if they're overweight. Their risk also appears to rise after menopause.
• Being older. Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in adults over 60.
• Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnea, you may be at increased risk.
• Race. In people under 35 years old, African Americans are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.
• Use of alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers. These substances relax the muscles in your throat.
• Smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than are people who've never smoked. Smoking may increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. This risk likely drops after you quit smoking.
• Nasal congestion. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose -- whether it's from an anatomical problem or allergies -- you're more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring is the beginning of a disease continuum that will develop into apnea if therapy is not initiated. Apnea will get worse with age, bad diet, weight gain, and an unhealthy, stressful lifestyle which these days can be so common. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that they suffer from sleep apnea unless someone else brings it to their attention. Sleep apnea is a commonly occurring condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.  

There are three types of sleep apnea -- obstructive, central, and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It results when the airway is blocked by the tongue and soft palate during sleep. As the brain detects a drop in oxygen, it sends a signal to arouse an individual enough to regain the airway. The loss of oxygen in the blood, as well as the constant interruption of sleep, can contribute to hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart disease, obesity, and overall alertness. Ample research indicates that sleep apnea has a significant impact on traffic and work related accidents due to increased levels of drowsiness for inadequate sleep.

Following the screening process, the patient is generally referred to a sleep laboratory for a Diagnostic Sleep Study known as a Polysomnogram (PSG).  Providing that the results fall within the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines for oral appliance therapy -- mild to moderate apnea with no co‐morbidity, the patient should be referred back to the dental office with a prescription for an oral appliance. Oral appliances are also recommended for severe OSA patients if they cannot tolerate their CPAP, although they should always try CPAP first.

Once the patient is diagnosed for oral appliance therapy, your dentist can do a full patient examination, evaluation, and work up including impressions and a bite registration with protrusive and vertical dimension.  Oral appliance therapy allows for improved airflow by repositioning the mandible in a downward and anterior direction. Oral appliances can be easily fabricated in a dental office through the coordinated efforts of a well-trained dentist and qualified lab.

Oral appliance therapy is generally covered by medical insurance not dental insurance. Medical billing is becoming a more common necessity in the dental practice for a variety of treatments and procedures.

Once a patient is fitted with an oral appliance, a follow up protocol is essential. You have to ensure that the appliance is adjusted to the optimum position whereby snoring is eliminated and the apnea is reduced significantly. Ultimately, when efficacy has been achieved, the patient can go back to the sleep laboratory for a sleep study (PSG). The PSG results will give the sleep physician confidence that oral appliances are proving effective and, in some cases, a good alternative to CPAP.

Oral appliance therapy can be truly life-changing for patients and being able to change the quality of someone’s life is extremely powerful and rewarding.

Dr. Edlin has completed the Certification and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).  We have successfully treated numerous patients and look forward to helping many more.  Additionally, we are happy to get pre-approval from your medical insurance and also file your claim for you once you have been fitted for your appliance.  Please call us at 314.863.2222 for more information.

GET A HOLLYWOOD SMILE JUST LIKE THE STARS!

No matter what the problem is; gaps, unsightly stains or chips and fractures, Veneers could be your solution to a beautiful, confident smile.  Even the super stars use veneers to get the look they want.    See the below before and after veneer pictures of your favorite Hollywood Stars.

Tom Cruise

 

Ben Affleck

 

Katie Holmes

 

Demi Moore

 

Anonymous Patient

 

 

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored sleeves of porcelain that are designed to slip over your teeth and cover the chips, stains, or other cosmetic issues you may have.

Why Should I Consider Veneers?

If you have chipped, stained, broken, crooked, or misaligned teeth, veneers are an attractive option for correcting those problems all at once. While procedures such as whitening can change the coloration of your teeth, other issues require more extensive procedures—inlays or onlays, crowns, orthodontics, etc. If you have mostly cosmetic issues, a custom set of veneers can be designed, fitted, and inserted over your existing teeth, and you have an instant, beautiful smile!

What Procedure Is Involved in Having Veneers Placed?

Dr. Edlin will prepare your teeth by removing a minimal amount of enamel from the front and the sides of each tooth that will be treated. This makes room for the veneer and prevents the result from looking bulky or unnatural. 
 
Next, he will make an impression of the prepared teeth and create temporaries for you to wear while you wait for your veneers to come back from the lab. At this point, Dr. Edlin will also look for the veneer shade that would be best for you. 
 
Once Dr. Edlin receives your veneers from the lab, you will come in and he will place the veneers over your existing prepped teeth and trim them so that they fit perfectly.
After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and polished. The veneers are then bonded to your teeth with a bonding cement. Dr. Edlin will remove any excess cement afterwards.

How Common Are Veneers?

Veneers are a very popular option for patients who want to instantly improve their smile. They are similar to a car seat cover. When the old seats become stained, grimy and torn, and no amount of scrubbing or repair can make them look new again, then a seat cover is a simple solution to restore some of the beauty of the seat. Veneers do the same thing—they restore the beauty of your smile by permanently covering up the wear and tear of the previous years' accumulated staining and damage. One of the benefits of veneers is that they require less preparation of each tooth.

Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

If your dental issues are mostly cosmetic, then yes, you are potentially a good candidate for veneers. However, you should have Dr. Edlin do a full dental checkup, and ensure there are no other problems, such as cavities, needing attention. Even so, after any other dental problems are successfully addressed, then Dr. Edlin can fit you for veneers. He has years of experience and success in placing veneers. Schedule a complimentary consultation to see if veneers will achieve your desired results.

Chairside Veneers

Chairside veneers are an alternative to the porcelain veneers. They require removal of less tooth enamel and can be performed in one visit! Chairside veneers are not as strong or wear-resistant as the porcelain veneers but they are great for patients who need faster results. In one visit, Dr. Edlin can prepare the tooth, bond and sculpt a composite material, harden the material, and smooth, clean, and polish the material until it looks like a natural tooth. Another benefit of chairside veneers is that they are easy to replace or repair if damaged.

How Do Veneers Compare to Other Cosmetic Dental Options?

Veneers are most popular with patients that have dental issues that span many teeth. Over the years, or through accidental injury, your teeth can become chipped, stained, or misaligned which spoil their appearance. While one choice is to have each one repaired individually, that can be a lengthy and costly process.


Please feel free to call our office at any time for more information or a brochure about Veneers.  314.863.2222

SUMMER SPECIAL $500 OFF INVISALIGN! Are You Ready for a Beautiful Straight Smile?

Invisalign ®

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible, custom-molded aligners using breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you've always wanted without the hassle of braces.

Clear Alternative to Metal Braces

By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with fast results. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter positions step-by-step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual. Since Invisalign is practically invisible, there's no unwarranted attention to your mouth. In fact, very few people will notice at all - unless you tell them. They're comfortable to wear and easy to remove when you eat, brush, and floss.


                              

Less Treatment Time

An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year. You'll visit our office every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At these visits, you'll receive a new set of clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by us for your course of treatment.

Free Consultation & Discount

So, come on in for your FREE consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you! Call now
314.863.2222 or set up an appointment through our website.  

 

Mention this blog for $500 off our normal Invisalign fees!

Want Stronger Teeth? Worried about Tooth Enamel?

10 Foods that Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, have plenty of calcium and phosphorous that can help strengthen teeth enamel and help with remineralization. They also promote saliva secretion, which can have a preventative effect, as saliva protects teeth against bacteria and balances the mouth's pH level. For those who are lactose intolerant, enriched soymilk can be a good alternative as it usually also have added calcium.

 

 

 

Celery

Celery, considered an "abrasive" food item due to its high fiber content, can help protect teeth and its enamel by cleaning the surface of the teeth. Its fibrous nature also requires longer chewing time, which can promote saliva secretion and maintain a healthy pH level in the mouth. The gums, which are also integral to healthy teeth enamel, are also massaged in the chewing process to ensure its health.


Strawberries

Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important in maintaining the overall health of the oral cavity. Strawberries also have a natural exfoliating effect due to its malic acid content, and can also help whiten your teeth while removing enamel harming tartar. There is no need to actively rub the actual fruit on the teeth, however, as an excess of malic acid may actually do harm and dissolve tooth enamel. To keep your teeth enamel and oral cavity healthy, just incorporate strawberries in your diet, as a snack or a healthy dessert.


Vitamin D

Studies have shown that vitamin D is a nutrient that plays a key role in regulating proteins that create tooth enamel. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish oil, cold water fish, or enriched egg yolks, are great for strengthening and possibly remineralizing tooth enamel. Canned sardines are a great super food for strengthening tooth enamel.  You can also eat the bones of the fish for added bone-strengthening calcium and fluoride.


Animal Protein

Most animal proteins, such as chicken and beef, contain phosphorus, which is a mineral essential to healthy tooth enamel. Indeed, when phosphorus is paired with calcium and vitamin D, healthy bones and teeth are created. Tofu may be an alternative option for vegetarians, as it contains a good amount of protein, and may also have the added benefits of calcium and magnesium.


Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are similar to celery in that it is also an abrasive food that can help "brush" the surface of teeth and remove bacteria causing debris. They are also high in calcium, which is important in bone and teeth formation, and are extremely easy to incorporate into the diet. Toss a handful of toasted sesame seeds on your next snack or meal, or blend it into your smoothie for some enamel protection.


Vitamin K

Essential for bone growth and mineral absorption, vitamin K can help strengthen teeth enamel when paired with vitamin D. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, are high in vitamin K and other immune boosting nutrients that can also contribute to healthier gums and teeth. Other great sources for this vitamin include egg yolks, hard cheese, pasteurized butter, fermented grains, and naturally-cured salami.


Parsley

Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for ages. This herb is known for its anti-bacterial properties and may help prevent bacteria that can lead to loss of tooth enamel. Next time, chew some parsley in place of sugary gum or breath mints.  Not only will it freshen your breath, it can also save your teeth from sugars that can deteriorate enamel.


Tea

Naturally high in antioxidants for a healthier oral cavity, almost all leaves that brew tea also contain fluoride, which protects tooth enamel from decay. Green tea, in particular, also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which protects the teeth by preventing plaque from adhering to its surface. As an added bonus, freshly brewed tea may also help eliminate bad breath.

Water

Drinking water can ensure a clean mouth, as it washes away trapped debris between teeth that serves as a breeding ground for enamel harming bacteria. For the sake of your teeth, it is also advisable to swish and rinse the oral cavity with water after drinking or eating highly acidic or enamel-dissolving foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or lemons to keep the harsh foods from dissolving teeth surface and enamel. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body can also have a stronger immune system to potentially help ward off gum disease, which in turn, can be detrimental to tooth enamel.
 

HAVE A TEETHING BABY? HERE'S SOME HELP!

Is your baby teething?
 
Classic signs and symptoms of teething include:

• Drooling
• Chewing on solid objects
• Irritability or crankiness
• Sore or tender gums

 

Natural Teething Remedies to Help Your Teething Baby

Teething Biscuits - Many parents love using teething biscuits to calm their teething babies. Be sure to choose a teething biscuit that is healthy for your little one.  When used in moderation, teething biscuits shouldn't adversely affect your little one's oral health.

 
 

 

Frozen Teething Rings - Cold items such as teething rings can alleviate the pain that a teething baby experiences.

 

 

Frozen Carrots & Bananas - Frozen bananas are a sweet treat that can ease your baby's sore gums. If your baby chews on a frozen carrot, only small bits of carrot come off at a time. Some parents don't want to give their children frozen objects because they don't want to inadvertently freeze their baby's gums by giving them something so cold. If you want to play it safe, just go with a cold carrot. Important - Any time you give your baby something to eat, you must stay with them at all times to help prevent choking.

 

 

 

 

 



 

A cold, damp washcloth - Some parents have found that their baby enjoys chewing on a frozen damp washcloth or a cold, wet washcloth.

A small, cold metal spoon - You can either keep some spoons in the refrigerator, or put a small metal spoon in a glass of ice water.  Your teething baby can then hold the spoon and bite down on it to help soothe their irritate gums.

Dried Fruit - Many parents advocate the use of dried apples to help ease teething troubles. Any dried fruit that allows the child to chew can help alleviate teething problems.  Keep in mind that you should use dried fruit in moderation, as it can cause tooth decay.

Ice chips in a clean baby sock - Some parents have found that by putting small ice chips in a baby sock, and then tying off the sock, they can give their baby something cold without the risk of their baby's gums getting too cold.

Gently rub your baby's gums with your finger - Holding your baby and massaging their gums with your finger can also provide comfort to your teething baby during this hard time.

 

If these natural remedies aren't doing the trick, maybe try an over the counter remedy such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) might help.  Avoid teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine. Benzocaine products have been associated with methemoglobinemia — a rare but serious condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.

 

For more Oral Health Tips, see our website!   Schedule an appointment online?

 

 

 

 

5 GREAT REASONS TO GO TO THE DENTIST!

It's been estimated that half of all Americans don't go to the dentist regularly. If you're one of the 50%, see why you should make regular dental visits a priority.

                                                    Catch Problems While They're Small

If you regularly visit the dentist, your dentist will be able to tell you about smaller problems that you can easily and inexpensively get fixed.   The quicker you get a cavity filled, for example, the longer the filling will last.   If you put off getting a cavity filled while it's small, it could cost significantly more to get it fixed when it needs a root canal and crown a few years down the road.  You won't feel any symptoms with most dental problems until they are advanced.   If you have gum disease, it's important that you get it treated.   However, unless you develop a gum abscess or have gum disease that is at a very advanced stage, you likely won't experience any pain.

Dental Care Has Come a Long Way

If you had a bad experience in the past, let me assure you that dentistry has come a long way.  There have been many recent advancements in the kinds of materials that we can use to fix your teeth. Many modern restorations such as crowns and veneers look completely natural and can give you the kind of smile you've always wanted.

There Are Ways to Alleviate Dental Fear

There are many drugs that you can take before you come to your appointment to make you drowsy so that you will be less anxious during your procedure.  Also, if needles frighten you, we can fill small cavities without any anesthetic.  If you do require an anesthetic, there are very strong topical gels that can be placed on your gums before the injection to make the injection nearly painless. 

Get a Deal!

Many dentists, like us, are running New Patient Specials.   We know once we get a new patient to come in, they will be our patients for life!   We currently have openings for new patients and do give discounts!
 

Financing Options

In some circumstances, we are willing to accept payments for dental work performed rather than requiring the full amount at the time of service.  Please call us for details.

There's No Time Like The Present

If you've made it this far, go ahead and make that appointment!   If you're hesitant to make a dental appointment, feel free to leave a comment below and let us know why.  We're happy to get back to you to address any concerns you might have.

First Impressions are Everything - Save $1000 on Invisalign!

 

SPECIAL OFFER - $1000 SAVINGS

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible, custom-molded aligners using breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you've always wanted without the hassle of braces.

By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with fast results. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter positions step-by-step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual. Since Invisalign is practically invisible, there's no unwarranted attention to your mouth. In fact, very few people will notice at all - unless you tell them. They're comfortable to wear and easy to remove when you eat, brush, and floss.

Less Treatment Time

An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year. You'll visit our office every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At these visits, you'll receive a new set of clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by us for your course of treatment.

So, come on in for your FREE consultation to see if Invisalign is right for you! Call now
314.863.2222 or set up an appointment through our website.