J. Peter St. Clair, DMD, PC

Last week I discussed what sleep apnea is. This week I will discuss diagnosis and treatment.

Specialists who diagnose and treat sleep apnea express varying opinions about the cause and best treatment of the breathing disorder. Ask a lot of questions of each specialist to determine the most appropriate procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case. Here are the specialists who may be involved in diagnosing your sleep apnea and the ways they might assist you:

An ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) may recommend surgery to clear blockages caused by a genetic abnormality in the nose or throat. The uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) procedure eliminates tissue from the back portion of the mouth near… (Read More)

Today and next week is a re-introduction to what this severely underdiagnosed medical condition is, and the different ways to treat it. The more you become aware of the different symptoms associated with this problem, the more likely you are to identify whether you or a loved one may be affected. Treatment can extend life.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that affects approximately 18 million Americans. It comes from the Greek meaning of apnea which means “want of breath”. People with sleep apnea have episodes in which they stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. (Note: They are always unaware this happens.)

Diagnosis of sleep apnea usually requires an… (Read More)

Last week I introduced a couple who had been seeing the same dentist for 30 years and were finally forced to make a change due to the dentist’s retirement. They visited a “new” dentist and were turned off because the dentist recommended significant treatment. Then they consulted with another dentist, who spent more time with them to discuss their specific situations and goals. However, they still missed their “old” dentist.

The couple loved their “old” dentist because she was someone they could relate to. The dentist kept things simple, and they liked simple. If they had a broken tooth, the dentist patched it up and they were on their way. They never talked about the… (Read More)

People often ask me how I have time to write columns, and how I’ve come up with topics for as long as The Town Common has been around. If you have read my columns over the years, you’ll remember I have discussed that time was one of the barriers keeping people from getting the dental care they need. Time is an excuse and I use it as an excuse all the time. However, we always make time for things that are important to us.

The topics I come up with have been an evolution. I try to keep it interesting. Of course, many of the things that I find interesting in dentistry would bore others.… (Read More)

If there’s one thing about modern life that’s both a blessing and a curse, it’s all the choices we have. On one hand, it seems great that we can choose from so many options for every product at the grocery store. On the other hand, it can be confusing and overwhelming to make a decision. When it comes to all the toothpaste out there, most people would be hard-pressed to name each type, let alone decide which one is best for them. That’s where the expertise of a dentist comes in. Keep reading to find out what each toothpaste formula does and whether it would be right for you!

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According to a recent study by British researchers, in order to reduce the significant financial and social burdens of dental decay, free sugars in the diet should make up no more than 3% of total energy intake.

Dental decay (caries) is the most common chronic disease worldwide, affecting 60% to 90% of schoolchildren and the majority of adults. In the U.S., 92% of adults ages 20 to 64 have had caries in at least one of their permanent teeth. The treatment of dental diseases costs 5% to 10% of total health expenditure in industrialized countries.

The study findings indicate that current approaches to controlling dental caries are failing to prevent high levels of caries in… (Read More)

Contrary to what many denture-wearers believe, dentures require regular maintenance, including relines, repairs, and replacement. In fact, the average denture should be relined every two to three years and replaced every five to seven years for the most optimal fitting prosthesis. There are many reasons for this maintenance interval and for regular dental examinations, whether or not the patient perceives any problem.

The first problem has to do with the basic function of the bone surrounding natural teeth. Natural teeth are held in their sockets by thousands of “cables”, called the periodontal ligament that tug and pull on the supporting bone during function. The bone is designed to be strengthened and stimulated in this manner.… (Read More)

Do you have any problems with dental decay (cavities), gum recession, and/or dental erosion (the chemical breakdown of tooth structure)? These dental issues are complicated multifactorial diseases of epidemic levels affecting both children and adults. A healthy mouth sometimes requires more than brushing, flossing, and “fillings”. With current scientific evidence and new technologies, patients and practitioners need to begin to look at these problems not just from a drilling and filling approach, but also from a medical (preventive/therapeutic) approach.

There are over 19,000 different bacteria that have been found in mouths and every person has about 1,000 different types. Not all of them cause decay, but many of them have also been found to grow… (Read More)

If all dental offices do the same thing – treat teeth – why are there so many variables between different offices?

Each office takes on the characteristics of the practitioner who owns it.  The personality of the owner is probably the key to how that office “feels” when you walk in the door.  Some practices may feel “clinical and efficient”, while others feel somewhat more home spun and laid back.  The dentist’s personality is reflected in his or her treatment preferences as well.  The fact that different dentists will suggest different plans to treat your condition does not necessarily mean that one plan is better than another.

Most dentists will suggest what they feel to… (Read More)