16 Apr How to Find a Qualified Sleep Apnea Dentist
General dentistry is great for toothaches, cleaning, and a healthier smile. However, general dentistry has significant limitations when it comes to specialized dental treatments like those required for sleep apnea. General dentists don’t go through the same rigorous training that an AADSM/ABDSM dentist does. AADSM/ABDSM-certified dentists must complete these requirements:
- Spend many hours in a sleep clinic
- Pass an exhaustive exam
- Submit detailed case studies to demonstrate proficiency, knowledge, and understanding of sleep medicine and dental therapies
For ABDSM Diplomates, the highest credential a dentist can earn in dental sleep medicine, these dentists must also pass a written exam.
We highly recommend only working with qualified sleep apnea dentists like those board-certified in dental sleep medicine to administer oral appliance therapy (OAT) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
What are the qualifications for a sleep apnea dentist?
Why work with a sleep apnea dentist who is board-certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine? Because that person, like Dr. Hartsfield, is specifically trained in dental sleep medicine, is required to stay up-to-date with the latest in the field, and has to adhere to safe, effective, and FDA-approved practices in oral appliance therapy.
At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we send our patients to a board-certified sleep physician for diagnosis. Once properly diagnosed, we take a digital scan and send it to a lab specializing in dental sleep medicine to make a customized oral appliance. Patients wear these devices in their mouths like a mouth guard or removable orthodontic retainer. When patients go to sleep, the device repositions the jaw from its natural resting position and holds it in proper alignment, either to relieve TMJ pain, treat sleep apnea, or both.
Unlike store-bought mouthguards for teeth grinding, these devices are not magically one-size-fits-all. We must ensure each measurement and custom detail is met with precision to give patients the highest quality of care and the most effective treatment for their sleep apnea.
We, as a practice, (and since Dr. Hartsfield is board-certified) make sure everyone on staff has the knowledge to provide comprehensive, accurate answers to client questions and concerns.
How can I find a board-certified sleep apnea dentist?
You can find a board-certified sleep apnea dentist by accessing the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine practice directory. This directory will show you AADSM-qualified dentists near you.
At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we can provide qualified treatment because our AADSM-accredited dentist, Dr. Amy Hartsfield, is an ABDSM diplomate and Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine specialist. Dr. Hartsfield is one of the few practitioners in the area with these qualifications. Being an ABDSM diplomate dentist is the highest credential you can earn in dental sleep medicine.
Birmingham’s Trusted OAT Provider for Sleep Apnea
At TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama, we offer more than the fulfillment of patient needs for orofacial pain management and sleep apnea treatment: We are passionate about doing so with excellence.
We always strive to give patients attentive care with a personal, approachable experience and establish trust in an encouraging environment. Our office in Homewood is located conveniently off Lakeshore Parkway.
If you believe you have sleep apnea, or you have a diagnosis from a general sleep clinic that doesn’t offer OAT treatment, contact us or book a consultation today. Our responsive and friendly staff will gladly answer your questions, troubleshoot dental insurance concerns, estimate treatment costs, and coordinate accommodations as necessary.
Thanks for reading! Check out our main blog page for more advice and information on sleep apnea, TMJ pain, oral appliance therapy, and sleep disorders.