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A Practical Guide to Understanding and Managing Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Kip Covington, DMD established South Carolina Dental Sleep Center in Greenville, South Carolina after several years of continuing education in the field of dental sleep medicine.
He and his wife, KoKo, have two children and enjoy sports, adventure, traveling and meeting
new people throughout their travels.
Dr. Covington has focused his dental practice on the treatment of sleep apnea, snoring, and TMJ disorders and is passionate about constantly learning about this ever-evolving field.
He finds joy in working with colleagues in the medical field to bridge the gap between medicine and dentistry in order to offer different solutions for his patients and his community. After reading this book, you will better understand why a good night’s sleep is crucial to your overall health. I think you will find this book helpful, informative and enlightening. It should also be a wake-up call to you, or your loved ones, who may suffer from poor sleep.
When you've successfully treated thousands of patients for sleep apnea and snoring, you start to hear the
same questions again and again. Here are a few of the ones we hear almost daily.
Regenerative therapy refers to treatments that stimulate the body's natural healing processes to regenerate damaged or diseased tissues. In the context of dental sleep medicine and TMJ treatment, regenerative therapy may involve the use of techniques such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Depending on your specific condition, x-rays or an MRI may be necessary to diagnose and plan treatment. Your dentist or physician will determine if imaging is necessary.
While a night guard may be helpful for some patients with TMJ disorders or bruxism, it may not be effective for those with sleep apnea or more severe TMJ dysfunction. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual case.
The over-the-counter appliances sold in drugstores or online may not be effective or safe for everyone. It is best to consult with your dentist before using any oral appliances for sleep apnea or TMJ disorders.
The time it takes to see improvement will vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the condition. Your dentist will provide you with a personalized treatment plan and timeline for improvement.
The frequency of appointments will depend on the treatment plan and the individual case. Your dentist will provide you with a recommended schedule for follow-up appointments.
The length of appointments will vary depending on the treatment being provided. Your dentist will provide you with an estimated appointment time for each visit.
The duration of treatment will depend on the individual case and the treatment plan. Your dentist will provide you with an estimated timeline for treatment.
Depending on the individual case and the effectiveness of treatment, symptoms may return over time. Your dentist will provide you with strategies to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
The need for ongoing appliance wear will depend on the individual case and the effectiveness of treatment. Your dentist will provide you with recommendations for ongoing management of your condition.
To clean your oral appliance, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Usually, it is recommended to clean the appliance daily with a soft brush, mild soap, and water. Avoid using toothpaste, hot water, or abrasive cleaners as they may damage the appliance. You can also use a specialized appliance cleaner recommended by your dentist.
Yes, you should still see your regular dentist for check-ups and maintenance of your dental health.
If you have a filling, cap, or lose a tooth, you should contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and adjustment of your oral appliance.
Insurance coverage for dental sleep medicine and TMJ treatment varies depending on the insurance provider and plan. Your dentist will work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage.
Your dentist may have payment plans or financing options available for out-of-pocket costs. You should discuss payment options with your dentist before proceeding with treatment.