Are you struggling with sleep apnea, snoring, or teeth grinding at night? At Cottage Hill Dental Care in Elmhurst, IL, Dr. Asadi and Dr. Amiran specialize in dental sleep medicine, offering effective solutions to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall health.
What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing (including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea) and bruxism (teeth grinding). While many people think sleep disorders are solely treated by sleep physicians, dentists with specialized training in dental sleep medicine play a crucial role in identifying and managing these conditions.
At Cottage Hill Dental Care, we work collaboratively with sleep physicians to identify the most effective treatment options for our patients. Our goal is to help you achieve better sleep quality, which contributes significantly to your overall health and wellness.
Our Step-By-Step Approach To Sleep Disorders
1. Initial Screening and Diagnosis
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential sleep-related issues. Using our advanced Dental Bruxism Monitor technology, we can collect valuable data about your sleep patterns, breathing, and jaw movements throughout the night.
2. Testing and Analysis
The Dental Bruxism Monitor is a portable device that you’ll use at home for one night. This non-invasive equipment records:
- Breathing patterns
- Oxygen levels
- Teeth grinding episodes
- Head position changes
- Sleep quality indicators
3. Professional Review & Sleep Apnea Pathway
After completing your home test, we follow specific protocols depending on your results and insurance:
For Standard Medical Insurance:
If your AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) is over 5, indicating potential sleep apnea:
- We send your test results to StatDDS Sleep Physicians
- You receive a Board-Certified Sleep MD Report and Bruxism Report
- We forward these reports and a prescription form to your physician (who must have had a face-to-face visit with you)
- Your physician makes the official diagnosis and writes a prescription for an oral appliance
- We provide and bill for the oral appliance
For Medicare Patients:
If your AHI is over 5, we refer you to your primary care physician
- You’ll have a face-to-face visit with your treating physician to assess for OSA
- Your physician will order another sleep test through a Medicare-approved provider
- Following diagnosis, your physician writes a prescription for an oral appliance (this must be done within 6 months of the face-to-face visit)
- We provide and bill for the oral appliance
For Bruxism Treatment:
- Dr. Asadi or Dr. Amiran will analyze your results specifically for teeth grinding indicators
- We’ll develop a customized treatment plan that may include a nightguard and/or botulinum toxin therapy
4. Customized Treatment Planning
Based on your diagnosis, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan targeting your specific condition. For sleep apnea, this occurs after receiving the physician’s prescription.
Conditions We Address
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
If your Dental Bruxism Monitor reveals nighttime grinding, we offer:
- Custom-fitted nighttime appliances to protect your teeth
- Botulinum toxin injections to relax overactive jaw muscles
- Strategies to manage stress and other contributing factors
Sleep Apnea
While we don’t diagnose sleep apnea directly, we play a vital role in:
- Identifying potential warning signs
- Facilitating proper diagnosis through sleep physicians
- Providing effective treatment alternatives to CPAP therapy when prescribed
Dental Sleep Medicine Treatments
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, we offer custom oral appliances that:
- Reposition the lower jaw and tongue
- Keep the airway open during sleep
- Prevent tissue collapse that blocks breathing
Many patients prefer oral appliances because they are:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Silent
- Non-invasive
Custom Nightguards for Bruxism
Our precision-crafted nightguards provide:
- Protection for tooth enamel
- Reduced jaw muscle strain
- Prevention of dental damage
- Relief from jaw pain and headaches
Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Bruxism
For severe cases of bruxism, we offer therapeutic injections that:
- Relax overactive jaw muscles
- Reduce grinding force
- Provide relief from associated pain
- Complement other treatment approaches
Using Your Dental Bruxism Monitor
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
When you receive your Dental Bruxism Monitor, we provide comprehensive instructions on proper use. The process is simple:
- Prepare the device according to our written guide
- Place the monitoring components as directed
- Activate the recording function before sleep
- Return the device to our office for analysis
We also offer a helpful instructional video that demonstrates each step of the process, ensuring you can confidently use the equipment at home.
Insurance and Billing Information
Coverage for dental sleep medicine services varies by provider and plan:
- Bruxism treatments are typically covered under dental insurance
- Sleep apnea appliances are often covered by medical insurance when prescribed by a physician
Our experienced team will help you navigate insurance requirements, including:
- Obtaining necessary pre-authorizations
- Submitting appropriate documentation
- Maximizing your available benefits
Exploring payment options for any out-of-pocket expenses
Dental Sleep Medicine FAQ
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
The Benefits Of Treatment
Investing in dental sleep medicine treatment offers numerous benefits:
- Improved sleep quality and quantity
- Protection for your teeth and dental restorations
- Reduced risk of serious health conditions
- Enhanced daily energy and focus
- Decreased snoring, benefiting both you and your partner
- Relief from morning headaches and jaw pain
- A comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy for qualifying patients
Our patients consistently report life-changing improvements in their sleep quality, energy levels, and overall quality of life after beginning treatment.
Schedule Your Dental Sleep Medicine Consultation Today
Don’t let sleep-disordered breathing or teeth grinding compromise your health and quality of life. Contact Cottage Hill Dental Care at 630-530-7998 to schedule your dental sleep medicine consultation with Dr. Asadi or Dr. Amiran.
Our Elmhurst office provides comprehensive care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We’re committed to helping you breathe easier, protect your teeth, and sleep better, night after night.
Take the first step toward restful sleep and improved healthโcall us today!
