Fairfax Sleep Dentist

A Fairfax sleep dentist may assist patients in a number of ways. The first step in determining which professional is right for you is to evaluate your specific sleep needs. Two main types of sleep dentists exist, each with a specialized area of focus.

Sleep dentists are among sleep experts. View others here.

Sleep dentistry falls into two major categories, dental sleep medicine and sedation. The purpose of each type is quite different from the other. The first involves dental devices created to help people with various sleep problems, and the second addresses anxiety and possible phobias.

A dental professional typically treats breathing problems patients experience while they are sleeping. The most common are sleep apnea and snoring. Sometimes, a simple oral device like a sleep apnea mouth piece effectively addresses the breathing problem. Oral devices can help by repositioning the mouth to prevent tissue from the soft palate and the throat from collapsing into the breathing passage.

A dentist may also be certified in dental sleep medicine. The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the AADSM, is an organization dedicated to promoting research about treating sleep-breathing disorders. The AADSM supports using surgical procedures or oral devices to treat some of the breathing conditions. The organization educates and trains professionals in this field.

Many dentists are able to fit patients for oral devices to treat snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, but not all are educated about the latest advancements in dental sleep medicine. Patients experiencing breathing problems during the night that cause daytime sleepiness may want to consult a dentist proficient in this area of medicine.

The certification process for a dentist proficient in dental sleep medicine involves the study and practice of interventions. The interventions include oral devices and surgery in the upper airway passage used for the treatment of sleep disorders. Sleep apnea and severe snoring problems are the most prominent sleep conditions addressed by these professionals.

It is important to note that the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine recognizes that the participating dentists have met the requirements for board certification. Sleep dentistry is not a new field, and many dentists who are not certified by this organization are well qualified to treat snoring and sleep apnea.

Finding a sleep dentist in Fairfax begins with determining which professional suits your specific situation. If you are trying to find ways to stop snoring, a professional in dental sleep medicine is ideal. If you are petrified to see a dentist or oral surgeon, a sedation dentist is more suitable.

Dental sleep medicine professionals in Fairfax are easy to find using the resources available through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. The organization lists two board members.

• Daniel P. Kelliher DDS
  • 10509 E. Braddock Road
  • Fairfax, VA 22032
  • (703) 503-5031

• Robert A. Levine, DDS
  • 3918 Prosperity Avenue
  • Suite 203
  • Fairfax, VA 22031
  • (703) 280-1300

Some dentists not certified by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine are well qualified to treat some sleep problems. Dr. Kevin Granger is a Fairfax dental professional who treats snoring problems. He is not listed with the AADSM but his credentials are excellent.

Dr. Granger offers a custom-fit oral device, SilentNight that opens the upper airway passage, preventing snoring from occurring. The device is prescribed by the dentist and professionally fitted in the office.

Sleep dentistry may evoke images of patients who prefer to be unconscious during any of their dental procedures. Many people fear visiting the dentist and some professionals are more than happy to accommodate patients by putting them to sleep for routine procedures. A Fairfax sleep dentist specializing in this field should be certified in Sedation Dentistry to ensure that he is well trained with the procedures involved.

A healthy mouth can lead to a better night's sleep. Some professionals can help you if want to learn more about surgical therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and others can assist you if you tend to avoid having dental procedures because of fear and anxiety. Finding the right Fairfax sleep dentist is well worth the effort.

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• Category:Snoring
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