Dr. Randall Rothfus, of Rothfus Family Dental in Medford, OR, is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). He became interested in this particular field of dentistry because there is such a need for education and treatment options for the people right here in the Rogue Valley.
The AADSM’s mission statement is:
“The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) promotes research on the use of oral appliances and dental surgery for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing and provides training and resources for those who work directly with patients. AADSM members collaborate with colleagues to learn about oral appliances and the role they play in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. The organization builds bridges and forms relationships with the medical community, especially in sleep centers, and other professional groups who play an integral part of the sleep disorders treatment and research team.
The AADSM helps educate practitioner dentists through clinical meetings that keep leading-edge ideas accessible and establishes and maintains appropriate treatment protocol. The AADSM also reaches out to the community at large, working toward the creation of a positive public awareness of sleep disorders and the role of the dentist in recognition and treatment of sleep breathing disorders.”
Sleep Disorders are a Medical Condition
By becoming a member of this organization, Dr. Rothfus of Rothfus Family Dental in Rogue Valley, OR, feels he will be able to gain better insight into how he can more effectively treat his patients and those in the entire Valley. It is truly a team effort to treat these patients.
Being that sleep disorders are a medical condition, Dr .Rothfus sees most of his patients from primary care physicians, ENT’s, nurse practitioners, other dentists and his own patient base. Only a doctor can diagnose a sleep disorders, and a sleep study must be done to make that diagnosis.
Many patients are referred to our family dental office in Medford, Oregon by their spouses, because patients with sleep disorders have a tendency to snore loudly or gasp violently for air during their sleep. It is important to note, that just because someone may snore it does not mean they have a sleep disorder. Ironically, the same oral appliance a dentist makes to treat sleep disorders, can cure snoring, and in some cases, save a marriage.
To determine the level of risk for a sleep disorder, the patient fills out a sleep assessment:
Berlin Questionaire for Sleep Apnea/Sleep Disorders
If it is determined that you have a moderate to high level of risk for having a sleep disorder, Dr. Rothfus will refer you a trained professional within the community for sleep study. This study determines how many times per night, and for what duration you stop breathing do to your sleep disorder. Only a medical doctor can diagnose your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), however, only a dentist can provide treatment for OSA using Oral Appliance Therapy.
After Dr. Rothfus takes impressions, fabricates and adjusts the sleep disorder oral appliance, you will wear the appliance while you sleep for up 3 weeks, at which time you will have an overnight oximetry study to verify the effectiveness of your treatment. If the sleep disorder oral appliance is working properly and you’re comfortable, you will only need to be seen by Dr. Rothfus on an annual basis for a quick check up.
No one professional can do this alone. It takes a team of highly trained, knowledgeable individuals to make this course of sleep disoreder treatment affective. Dr. Rothfus has built his practice around this team of individuals and you can “sleep soundly” knowing you are in good hands. If you or anyone you know suffers from excessive sleepiness, you may be one of the 18 million Americans currently undiagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Call Rothfus Family Dental in Medford, Oregon today to schedule a consultation. Remember, we are here to help!
Rothfus Family Dental
At Rothfus Family Dental, it’s our goal to provide you with the highest level of dental care in a safe and caring environment. We want to be there for your entire family, whether you’re 3 or 103.
Providing most aspects of dentistry in one location makes us a true Medford, Oregon general dental practice. We also utilize the most advanced dental techniques, equipment and materials, so that the dentistry you receive will last for many years to come.
Earning your trust and treating you how we would want to be treated is the basis we want to build our dental relationship on. We want to be your dental care provider for a lifetime, and we want to make you a raving fan of our office.
We provide Medford, Oregon family dentistry and Rogue Valley dental services. Call us today to schedule a dental appointment. You’ll be happy you did, because at Rothfus Family Dental, we are… “Making Smiles Happen, Daily.” Medford, Oregon Family Dentistry – (541) 858-7994.