Should Dentists Treating Sleep Apnea Be TMJ Specialists?

PRLog (Press Release) - Dec 19, 2009 -
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine concur in guielines that dentists treating Sleep Apnea should have expertise in treating TMJ diorders.  There is no recognized specialty in the treatment of TMJ disorders however many general dentists have additional training in treating TMJ disorders.

An article in Sleep and Health Journal explains why this is essential.  The artice "TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA WITH ORAL APPLIANCES SHOULD BE DONE BY DENTISTS TRAINED IN TREATING TMJ DISORDERS" can be found at http://www.sleepandhealth.com/node/524

Neuromuscular Dentistry (http://www.sleepandhealth.com/neuromuscular-dentistry) is  increasing in popularity as a treatment for TMJ disorders as a direct result of the Las Vegas Institute teaching it as a core of their curriculum.  Dr Bill Dickerson who founded LVI took a great leap when he embraced Neuromuscular Dentistry as a vital part of dentistry.  He has recently added treatment of Sleep apnea to course given at LVI.

ICCMO, the International College of Craniomandibular disorders has long been the organization of Neuromuscular Dentistry.  Neuromuscular Dentistry is the technology behind the Makkar Pure Power Mouthguard or PPM Mouthguard that the New Orleans Saints credit for their amazing season.