Airway Therapies in St. Louis, MO
TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis
A disrupted airway can present in many different ways. A dentist focused on the structure of the jaw, mouth and tongue can help identify airway restrictions and recommend non-surgical treatment options.
Symptoms of a Possible Airway Issue
You may be dealing with an airway issue if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Snoring
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Feeling fatigued despite a full night of sleep
- Reduced athletic performance
- Poor posture
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Frequent headaches
- Shoulder or back pain
- Poor sleep quality
- Mouth breathing
- Waking up gasping for air
- Crowded or shifting teeth
- Frequently chapped lips
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of St. Louis, we offer personalized airway therapy designed to identify and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms.
What Happens During an Airway Consultation?
New Patient Paperwork
The first thing you do is fill out your new patient paperwork. This will help the team get a better understanding of what you're dealing with.
Examination
The team will perform a physical and visual examination to determine the potential for any type of airway obstruction or airway issue.
CBCT Scan
A CBCT scan will be performed. This is a 3D X-ray of your head and neck that allows Dr. Frith to see exactly what is going on in the airway. If there are restrictions, the doctor will be able to see exactly where they are.
Sleep Study (If Needed)
Some patients will do a sleep study, which can be completed in the comfort of their own home using a simple device worn around the finger. This allows the doctor to evaluate what is happening with the airway at night. A sleep physician also monitors the data, providing a second set of eyes on your respiratory system while you sleep.
A consultation typically results in a same-day diagnosis with the option to begin treatment on the same day. In some cases, a sleep study is required and a diagnosis can be made after the results of the study are reviewed by the doctor.
Dr. Jeremy Frith, DDS
DDS – Doctor of Dental Surgery
FAGD – Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
AADSM Qualified Dentist – American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Diplomate, ABDSM – American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
FAACP – Fellow of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway Therapies
What symptoms can an airway issue cause?
An airway issue can present in many ways. Common symptoms include snoring, sleep apnea, jaw clenching, fatigue, reduced athletic performance, poor posture, headaches, shoulder and back pain, crowded or shifting teeth, mouth breathing and poor sleep quality.
How can you determine whether I have an airway problem?
Our team can perform a CBCT scan, which provides a detailed 3D view of the airway. This allows the doctor to identify whether an obstruction is present and determine where the restriction is located.
Do I need a sleep study to be diagnosed with an airway issue?
Dr. Frith recommends a sleep study for most patients. If necessary, our office can provide a wearable device that allows you to complete the study at home.
Can surgery fix airway problems?
Surgery may be appropriate in certain cases, but it is not always the first option. Our practice will help you understand your treatment options and explore appropriate non-surgical therapies before considering surgery.
Are airway problems serious?
Airway problems can be serious, especially when they affect breathing during sleep. Airway health may influence sleep quality, energy, heart health, brain health, and brain development in children.
Is airway dentistry a real field?
Yes. Airway-focused dentistry examines how the structure and function of the jaw, mouth and tongue affect a person's ability to breathe and sleep. The goal is to identify contributing factors and help prevent or manage sleep-related breathing disorders.
Schedule Your Personalized Airway Consultation Today!
If you snore, wake up gasping, breathe through your mouth, feel tired despite a full night of sleep, or notice these signs in your child, it is worth scheduling an airway or sleep evaluation. The sooner the cause is found, the sooner you can protect your sleep, breathing, and long-term health.
Get In Touch
We love hearing from YOU! Send us your questions and inquiries, we will be happy to assist you.