Because Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition, being treated by the right doctor is critical. Therapy with a dental appliance is not as simple as taking molds of the teeth. It requires a dentist with extensive knowledge of sleep medicine, pulmonary physiology, and jaw joint function. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine have published guidelines for qualified dentists and they must meet at least one of the following:
Any dentist treating Sleep Apnea should have, at the absolute minimum, 25 hours of training from a dental school or accredited nonprofit Dental Sleep Medicine organization in the last 2 years before treating any patients. Continuing education from for-profit training centers can be biased toward companies that fund the program and give participating dentists a biased or limited view on treatment that could affect patient outcomes.
The dentist should be certified in Dental Sleep Medicine by a nonprofit organization. Currently, this means Board Certified/Diplomate status with either the American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine or the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Designation as the dental director of a dental sleep medicine facility accredited by a nonprofit organization.
Meet Dr. SulzbachAny dentist treating Sleep Apnea must also be an expert at treating TMJ Disorders and Occlusion (your bite). If you have a pre-existing TMJ problem, it may need to be treated before or concurrently with your Sleep Apnea treatment. Also, TMJ problems or a change to your bite are potential side effects of dental appliance therapy. Only a dentist expert in treating TMJ Disorders can make you an appliance that minimizes the chances of these side effects or treat them if they should arise.
The treating dentist should use custom-made, titratable (adjustable) appliances. To keep costs down, some dentists fit patients for "Boil and Bite" appliances or cheap plastic appliances that are relined to fit your teeth. Beware these appliances and any sold on TV or the internet. They can cause significant problems to your teeth, gums, jaw joint, and possibly make your sleep apnea even worse.
A qualified dentist will see you for routine follow-up appointments during your treatment.
A qualified dentist will always send you for a follow-up sleep study to confirm the appliance has controlled your Sleep Apnea.
Not all dentists can claim competency in oral appliance therapy. Choosing a dentist that meets the above guidelines can have a profoundly positive impact on your health and the success of your treatment.
Dr. Sulzbach proudly exceeds these qualifications and guidelines and is the only dentist in Pennsylvania to hold two Diplomats in Dental Sleep Medicine and two Fellowships in TMJ Disorders.