CPAP Alternative-Oral Appliance Therapy

CPAP is the gold standard for treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. If one can tolerate the CPAP mask it is extremely effective. However, studies have shown that up to 40% of patients will quit using CPAP within the first six months. The reasons are many and include...

• Discomfort of the nose and upper lip
• Claustrophobia
• Unconsciously removing the CPAP while sleeping
• Nasal Dryness
• CPAP machine noise interrupts sleep
• Leaky mask
• Discomfort caused by straps and headgear

For those patients that can not tolerate CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy is a safe and effective alternative. Oral appliances are recognized by the Academy of Sleep Medicine. They work by pulling the lower jaw forward which helps keep the throat from collapsing allowing air to reach the lungs. In addition, Oral Appliance Therapy is usually covered by your medical insurance. 

We have been providing Oral Appliance Therapy at the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry for over a decade. We also work with a billing company to ensure maximum medical insurance coverage available under your plan. 

If you would like to consult with us regarding Oral Appliance therapy for Sleep Apnea give us a call today at 410-789-4999. Also visit our website www.laserdentistbaltimore.com. 

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ Disorder is a common affliction that often goes undiagnosed. The discomfort can range from the mildly annoying to debilitating. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key as it is with many medical problems. Simply put,TMJ Disorder is the presence of pain and/or loss of function in the joints and muscles of the jaw. Below is a list of common symptoms that may indicate a TMJ Disorder problem...

• Jaw pain and/or stiffness

• Headaches, usually at the temples and side of head

• Vague tooth soreness or toothaches which often move around the mouth

• Sensitive teeth

• Painful or tender jaw joint

• Difficulty opening jaw

• Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods

• Clicks, pops, or grinding sound in jaw joint

• Ear pain

• Cervical neck tension and pain

• Tooth wear

• Awareness of grinding/clenching teeth while sleeping or awake (Bruxism)

• A pattern of breaking or cracking teeth with no other cause, i.e. tooth decay or trauma

• History of medically diagnosed migraine headaches (common incidence of concurrent TMD)

Having any of these symptoms may indicate the presence of a TMJ problem that should be evaluated by your dentist. The good news is that most TMJ Disorder problems can be managed effectively with a combination of bite splints and physical therapy. At the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry we often prescribe the NTI device which is a cost effective solution that yields results in the great majority of cases. For more in depth information visit our TMJ Disorder webpage at http://www.laserdentistbaltimore.com/tmj-therapy/.

Dr. Pohlhaus is Interviewed About the Dentist's Role in Treating Snoring and Sleep Apnea.

Dr Pohlhaus was recently on WBAL TV discussing the dentist's role in treating snoring and sleep apnea. He also talks about the NightLase procedure. NightLase is a non surgical laser treatment of the soft palate that reduces snoring in 80 percent of the patients treated. For more information on NightLase and other snoring treatments visit The Baltimore Center for Laser Dentisrty's website at www.baltimorelaserdentist.com. 

Revolutionary Cavity Treatment Now Available

We are very excited to introduce a new treatment for tooth decay called  Advantage Arrest™. 
This procedure was recently highlighted on WBAL TV and here is a link to the story.... http://www.wbaltv.com/health/new-way-to-treat-cavities-is-quick-painless/36616006 
Imagine treating decay effectively without needing a filling at all.
This treatment has been available in Europe for many years and just recently got FDA approval for use in the United States. This remarkable treatment can stop decay in teeth and allows the cavity to heal where many times no filling will be needed at all. When an early decay is detected in a tooth the topical solution is applied for just a minute. It rapidly kills the bacteria that caused the cavity and applies a strong dose of fluoride to start the healing process. The treatment may need to be repeated every six months for up to two years. It is ideal for treating the early decay we find with the Diagnodent laser decay detector and our digital, high resolution x-rays. This procedure can be used at all ages and can be ideal for baby teeth in young children. We at the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry have always been committed to using the least invasive procedures when treating dental problems and Advantage Arrest is basically non-invasive. The only disadvantages  are that the decay turns dark so it is contraindicated in esthetic areas and larger cavities still need fillings in adult teeth. 
Early diagnosis and treatment is the key...allowing you to keep healthy teeth that last a lifetime. Call us at 410-789-4999 today!

Excellent Tips on Dental Care from Consumer Reports

Click here for an excellent list of steps to take to keep dental care more affordable.