Life-changing and even life-saving snoring/sleep apnea treatment
Every day, patients are referred to Timeless Dentistry by other dentists, physicians, and wellness professionals across the Forest Hills, New York area. Having our peers trust us enough to refer their valued patients to us is a true honor. These professionals know that prosthodontist Dr. Paul Springs, Dr. Becca Baer, and periodontist Dr. Kevin Malakov all possess the knowledge, skills, technologies, and, most importantly, the tireless obsession with quality necessary to perform everything their patients need at the highest possible level right here in our office. This expertise extends to the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring.
Why is it important to treat snoring?
Snoring can test any marriage, as well as other relationships within the household. When snoring is particularly loud and persistent, it may also be indicative of sleep apnea. The term “sleep apnea” is derived from the Greek word apnoia, which quite literally means a lack of breathing. As you might imagine, interruptions in breathing during sleep can have a tremendous negative impact on one’s quality of life and overall health. Studies show that untreated sleep apnea not only puts an extreme strain on every organ system in your body, but it also substantially increases the risk of death by heart attack, stroke, and automobile accident (due to daytime sleepiness). This in turn makes it harder to lose weight, prevents patients from healing, and generally makes people so sleep deprived that it can reduce lives by more than a decade. Worse still, studies have demonstrated that about half of all people over age 50 suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and that more than 80% of sufferers don’t know they have the disorder. This is why snoring is such a big deal, and why it’s so unbelievably important for our team to address both primary snoring as well as snoring that is secondary to other conditions, like sleep apnea.
Why does a dentist’s office treat sleep apnea?
As dental professionals, we possess extensive training and knowledge in oral and maxillofacial anatomy and function. Anatomical and functional issues are at the root of both snoring and sleep apnea. When the tissues in the throat become relaxed, the air passing through your airway vibrates against them. This vibration causes that characteristic snoring sound. The tissues may be so lax that they block the air’s ability to pass through. It’s like being choked or strangled in your sleep. These disruptions in breathing can occur hundreds of times during sleep. The most common form of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, refers to these obstructions in breathing. The airway may be partially or fully blocked. With our anatomical and physiological understanding, we can effectively address snoring and sleep apnea at their source. This is why dentists, more than anyone else, screen patients for sleep-breathing problems. The National Association of Board-Certified Sleep Physicians (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) has recommended oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea for over twenty years!
How do you treat snoring and sleep apnea?
Oral appliance therapy represents a comprehensive category of dental services available at our Forest Hills, New York, office. These devices are designed to easily slip in and out of the mouth and over the teeth. For sleep disordered breathing conditions, the appliances include what’s called a MAD (mandibular advancement device). True to its name, the MAD advances or brings the lower jaw (mandible) or tongue forward. This repositioning prevents the tongue and other tissues from blocking off breathing while you sleep. These devices are custom-fit and designed to your specific needs. They are effective, easy to use, easy to maintain, highly portable, and non-invasive, and many studies have shown that they are more comfortable and easier to use for the entirety of every night for patients than are alternatives like CPAP devices.
Why should I choose Timeless Dentistry for my snoring/sleep apnea needs?
We are among the select dental offices to provide such services, as these treatments are rarely taught in dental schools. For this reason, many of our peers and other offices turn to us for help with their patients. We are also that rare dental office that has complete on-site lab capabilities. Therefore, we can even create some oral appliances on-site. Our technicians come to us with years of experience from running the most technologically advanced dental lab in the state. But for the specific needs of certain patients, the best quality device can be made by another lab. For example, we have one appliance manufactured and shipped from Canada, as it is simply the best for a specific situation. Nevertheless, we stand by the quality of all appliances and restorations we deliver, regardless of where they’re made, and all of them come with a warranty of a minimum of 3-5 years. It is one thing to hear us talk about what makes our care distinctive, but we encourage you to experience it yourself—call (718) 310-3866 to schedule your appointment today.
Timeless Dentistry is a remarkable practice lead by Dr Paul Springs. Everyone in the practice is warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve never experienced a practice that’s committed to providing a total dental experience that focuses on an accurate professional diagnosis, personalized care and concern for your comfort & satisfaction. I needed and received implants. Like most I was concerned about pain (which was minimal to nonexistent) and what was the process. Everything was clearly explained and what resulted was a set of beautiful “new teeth” and a smile that has restored my confidence and ability to enjoy the foods my old teeth couldn’t have handled! I can’t stop singing Dr. Paul and his staff’s praises —they are totally AWESOME!! I would highly recommend them if you’re in need of a dental practice. 
