The Importance of Dental Sleep Medicine

It seems that more and more people are being diagnosed with sleep disorders. This means that doctors and dentists are constantly trying to develop new therapies and treatment methods for these issues. But it’s important to seek someone that’s experienced and trained in the field of dental sleep medicine.

Dr. William Harper, an experienced provider of dental sleep medicine and sleep apnea in Chesapeake, VA, has multiple credentials in the field. He’s a Diplomate in the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. No other dentist in the area offers these credentials. Dr. Harper explains why it’s important to have a qualified dental sleep medicine provider.

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

Dental sleep medicine focuses on the use of oral appliances to help treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Quality sleep medicine providers will have a certification in dental sleep medicine by a non-profit organization. They’ll also have to have continuing education in sleep medicine by a qualified organization. If the provider doesn’t have these accreditations, you’re going to want to go somewhere else.

Why is a Quality Sleep Medicine Provider Important?

Sleep apnea can have many more impacts on your health and body than losing a bit of sleep. When you have sleep apnea, it means that your breathing is being disrupted while you’re asleep. This means that the level of oxygen getting to your brain and other organs are less than it should be. This is why you wake up gasping for air or have headaches when you wake up in the morning.

This disruption of sleep can also cause extreme fatigue. You may think you’re getting a full eight hours of sleep, but it isn’t the deep sleep you need. You may feel tired throughout the day even when you thought you got a whole night of sleep. This can lead to problems with falling asleep while driving and doing other important tasks.

Sleep apnea also leads to an increase in the likelihood of you developing many health problems. You can have a sudden heart attack or stroke due to the lack of oxygen getting to your brain. Diabetes and high blood pressure are common, as are various other heart problems.

All of these things are risks if you have untreated sleep apnea. If you go to a dentist or doctor without legitimate certification and training, you may still have all these effects on your health. You may be putting your life into the hands of someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.

Dental Sleep Medicine and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chesapeake, VA

At Coastal Virginia Sleep Solutions, you’ll get treatment from Dr. Harper, in the top 1% of dentists that specialize in sleep medicine. With his additional education and training, you get someone who’s extremely experienced in the field and can get you the help you need. Call us today or schedule an appointment online to get started!