Services
Sleep and airway
A dentist sees things that can go with poor sleep: worn teeth, a scalloped tongue, a narrow mouth. We ask questions and tell you what we see. We don't diagnose sleep problems.
What happens
A few minutes at a regular exam, and a letter if it is called for.
- 01
Step 1: We ask
Do you snore, wake with a dry mouth or a headache, feel tired in the day, or grind your teeth?
- 02
Step 2: We look
Dr. DeJesus looks at your teeth, tongue and bite for signs she should tell you about.
- 03
Step 3: We tell you
She says what she saw and what it could mean, and that only a physician can diagnose a sleep problem.
- 04
Step 4: We write, if you want
With your permission, we send a note to your physician so they can decide whether you need a sleep study.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Nothing here is uncomfortable. It is a conversation and a look in your mouth.
Other choices, and waiting
Sleep apnea is a medical diagnosis, made by a physician, often with a sleep study. If your physician has diagnosed it and prescribes an oral appliance, we'll tell you whether we make it here or send you to a dentist who focuses on it. If you wait to ask, nothing changes at the dentist's, but a physician's check is worth having.
Risks and after-care
A night guard is not a treatment for sleep apnea and does not replace one. If you've been told to use a CPAP machine, keep using it unless your physician says otherwise.
How it is billed
The questions are part of your regular exam. A written estimate comes before any other treatment.
How fees work
Questions about sleep and airway
Can you tell me if I have sleep apnea?
No. Only a physician can diagnose it. We can tell you what we notice and write to your physician.
Do you make appliances for sleep apnea?
Only once a physician has diagnosed it and prescribes one, and we'll tell you whether we make it or refer you.
Can a dentist fix my snoring?
Snoring has many causes, and most are medical. We don't promise to change it. We can tell you what we see in your mouth.
Provided by a general dentist
Dr. Alba DeJesus, DDS, general dentist, licensed in California.