Photo by Ray Bryant , Bryant Studios
Dentists are uniquely positioned to identify the warning signs of sleep apnea . The ADA adopted the stance five years ago that dentists should be screening for sleep apnea .
The eXciteOSA ® is an innovative treatment which uses a removable mouthpiece to reduce snoring and mild OSA by strengthening tongue muscles through pulses of electric stimulation .
Although PAP therapy is still standard , innovative new treatments have emerged that are expanding the options for patients with OSA .
and a stimulation lead attached to the branch of the hypoglossal nerve that produces tongue protrusion . Candidates for Inspire have a BMI of < 32 , severe apnea-hypopnea ( scored on AHI ), and are ages 16-65 .
Dr . Smith concludes , “ This year , our most pressing objective is to increase awareness of the prevalence of sleep disorders and the critical role that dentists are positioned to play in identifying patients
Oral appliances offer many benefits including :
n Custom-fit to maximize effectiveness
n Quiet & comfortable
n Portable & travel-friendly
n Non-invasive
n No ongoing supply costs & upkeep
Photos courtesy of Sleep Dallas
12 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www . northtexasdentistry . com