At Esthetic & Integrative Dentistry, our practice incorporates specialized dental services that use oral appliances to help ease the symptoms of sleep apnea, snoring and jaw disorders such as TMJ.
Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Equilibration Society, both of which specialize in the diagnosis and use of oral appliances for sleep- and bite/jaw-related disorders, respectively.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Do you suffer from snoring and sleep apnea?
Did you know 50-70 million Americans suffer from one or more sleep disorders? Eighteen million have obstructive sleep apnea whereby there are episodes throughout the night when breathing stops for 10 seconds or greater and oxygen levels in the blood may drop dangerously low. This can affect the heart and other organs, as well as being associated with Type II Diabetes, Gastric Reflux, daytime sleepiness, depression, headaches, grinding of teeth, and increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and death.
Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson of Esthetic & Integrative Dentistry offers a variety of treatments for snoring and sleep apnea. Beginning with a simple home screening, it is possible to evaluate for the presence of sleep-disordered breathing. We work very closely under the guidance of Board Certified Sleep Physicians in our evaluation when sleep apnea is present.
A removable oral appliance is typically used to relieve symptoms of snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. This appliance is custom made to fit the patient’s mouth. It is designed to help keep the jaws in proper alignment and the tongue and soft tissue in their proper place to keep airways open during sleep.
Since every patient’s condition is uniquely different, each oral appliance is custom fabricated and carefully adjusted for optimal results. Home studies help us evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.
Following successful dental sleep medicine therapy, our patients report feeling more alert and active, have a higher metabolism rate, are more energetic and can experience a complete return to their normal vitality. In fact, recent national studies report that 90% of patients successfully treated for sleep apnea with both the CPAP and a dental appliance preferred the dental appliance as their long-term option.
Highly trained in the field of dental sleep medicine, Dr. Wilkerson is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a professional dental organization dedicated to the treatment of sleep related breathing disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea through the use of oral appliance therapy under the guidance of a Sleep Physician.
Dr. Wilkerson trains other dentists across the nation on the Dentist's role in managing airway disorders.
TMJ Therapy
Problems in the jaw system can significantly compromise our quality of life.
TMJ pain occurs when there is damage to the temporomandibular joint, most often caused by stress, trauma or other injury. As leaders in the field of TMJ Disorders, both Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson and Dr. Glenn DuPont are active members of the American Equilibration Society, the largest society dedicated to the study of Occlusion and TMJ Disorders. Their expertise has been sought after by patients not only in Tampa Bay but across the country who suffer from this debilitating disorder.
If you experience of the following symptoms or signs, you may be suffering from TMJ:
- Clicking, popping, locking and/or soreness just in front of the ear
- Sore jaw muscles
- Headaches
- Bite related problems
- Cervical neck issues
- Ringing in the ears
- Bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding)
- Sinus-like concerns
How is TMJ Disorder Treated?
Dr. DuPont and Dr. Wilkerson's primary TMJ therapy often includes splints and retainers of various designs which can help correct poor bites, decrease stresses at the joint level, and reduce muscle hyperactivity including clenching and grinding habits. This may be followed with bite treatment through bite adjustment (equilibration), orthodontics or restorative dentistry as needed.
Physical therapy can be helpful for sore muscles, cervical neck issues, sleep position, improved posture, and self-help advice such as biofeedback. Medications for inflammation, muscle relaxation, and sleep are commonly used to relieve TMJ pain. Serious joint problems may occasionally require surgical intervention.
Our approach to providing TMJ relief is very thorough; determining the cause and effect relationship is key to identifying the problem and the treatment. Together, we will find the most effective solutions for you.
Don't Ignore TMJ Symptoms!
If TMJ Disorders are left untreated, you may experience increasing chronic pain and discomfort over time. This may include ever increasing TMJ pain as well as reduced jaw mobility and inability to function normally.
What to Expect During and After TMJ Treatment
TMJ Therapy is most successful when initiated at an early stage of discomfort. This is especially true if there is minimal damage to the jaw joints. Pain associated with muscle and bite issues usually respond extremely well in a very short time.
DENTISTRY FOR TOTAL BODY WELLNESS
- GARY
- ANGIE FELIX
