Discover Dental Sleep Medicine at Medical Arts Dentistry
At Medical Arts Dentistry, our dedicated team provides comprehensive care that supports the diverse needs of our patients, including cosmetic, general, and family dental services aimed at enhancing oral health. As part of her general dentistry practice, our dentist has advanced training in dental sleep medicine to help manage sleep-related breathing issues such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Roher is passionate about helping patients improve sleep quality by working in close collaboration with sleep physicians.
What is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is an area in which dentists receive advanced education in the use of oral appliance therapy for the management of sleep-related breathing disorders. Dentists with this training can provide and fit oral appliances that help support the airway during sleep. These appliances—such as mandibular advancement devices—gently adjust the position of the jaw, tongue, and soft tissues to promote better airflow.
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine gain a deeper understanding of sleep-disordered breathing and learn how to design and select oral devices tailored to each patient’s needs. Educational pathways often include training through accredited organizations such as the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM). These dentists stay current on scientific advancements and research but do not diagnose sleep disorders or prescribe medical treatment, which must be completed by a qualified sleep physician.
How Dental Sleep Medicine Works
Managing sleep-disordered breathing requires a team-based approach between dentists and sleep physicians. Dentists with advanced training work closely with medical providers who diagnose sleep apnea and determine appropriate treatment plans.
At Medical Arts Dentistry, Dr. Roher will begin by having you complete a basic sleep questionnaire. If your responses suggest possible sleep apnea, she may perform further dental screening and, if indicated, refer you to a sleep physician for a full sleep study. Only a physician can diagnose sleep apnea.
If a sleep physician confirms a diagnosis of sleep apnea and determines that you are a good candidate for an oral appliance, Dr. Roher can provide and fit a customized device. These appliances—including mandibular advancement devices, nighttime oral appliances, and tongue-retaining devices—are designed to help improve airflow during sleep.
After receiving your appliance, your sleep physician may recommend a follow-up sleep study to ensure the device is working effectively and to adjust treatment as needed.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Managing Sleep Disorders
Many patients experience significant improvements in daily energy, focus, and overall well-being when sleep-disordered breathing is properly managed. Oral appliance therapy can also be a helpful option for individuals who experience CPAP intolerance or prefer an alternative approach recommended by their sleep physician.
This therapy may be used to help manage snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and airway-related contributions to oral health concerns—highlighting the important connection between the mouth and overall wellness.
For more information about dental sleep medicine or oral appliance therapy—or to learn how our team can work with your sleep physician to support your care—please contact Medical Arts Dentistry. Call (912) 921-0401 today to schedule your initial consultation. We’re happy to answer questions about sleep telemedicine, oral appliances, Inspire implant coordination, and other available options.
Airway Dentistry
Fewer than 1% of U.S. dentists are ABDSM-certified Diplomates in dental sleep medicine. Dr. Roher earned this credential through advanced training with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Untreated Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), snoring, and sleep apnea can contribute to serious health issues—including chronic fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and increased cardiovascular risks such as hypertension and heart disease. These systemic effects highlight the importance of appropriate evaluation and treatment by qualified medical professionals.
Airway and sleep dentistry focuses on the connection between oral structures and breathing—particularly during sleep. This approach supports the management of conditions related to airway function and sleep-disordered breathing.
Airway Function
The airway includes the nose, mouth, and throat. Proper airway support is essential for effective breathing during sleep.
Sleep Disorders
Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occur when the airway narrows or collapses during sleep. Only a sleep physician can diagnose these disorders.
Treatment Approaches
Oral Appliances
Custom oral appliances can help support the airway during sleep. These are often recommended by sleep physicians for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. Dentists like Dr. Roher can provide and fit these devices once prescribed or recommended by a qualified physician.
Myofunctional Therapy
Exercises that improve tongue posture, breathing habits, and orofacial muscle tone can help support healthy airway function.
Orthodontic Solutions
In some cases, orthodontic treatments such as expanders or braces may help improve jaw alignment and airway space.
