Do You or a Partner snore to the point of disrupting the other ones sleep? Do you wake up from a night's sleep feeling tired? You could be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OBA). OBA is a disorder of the upper respiratory tract where the tongue is pulled back against the posterior wall of the pharynx by the pressure of inhalation. Snoring occurs when the tongue is posteriorly displaced. It is important to note that ALL OSA patients are snorers, but NOT all snorers have OSA. Because OSA can be a serious disorder, possibly contributing to systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, increased motor vehicle accident rate, sleepiness, impaired quality of life and even increased mortality, ALL SNORERS SHOULD BE SCREENED for the condition by a trained professional.

Treatment of OSA depends on the severity of symptoms, magnitude of the complications and etiology of the upper airway obstruction. CPAP therapy has proven effective for many patients, but a Kribbs study showed that 54% of the subjects used the CPAP less than 4 hours per night. Studies continue to be done and new treatments have been found that are more convenient and easier to use.

New oral appliances have been found to be effective in treating snoring in mild and moderate OSA patients. Our practice is now equipped to fit you for an appliance that can hopefully be worn up to 3 hours longer than the CPAP.

Dr. Hartmann will soon be working with area ENT's to help coordinate treatment between offices. We are able to bill most medical insurances. Please contact our office (708/366-6760) or visit our web site (www.hartmanndds.com) if you are interested in learning more about getting a good night's sleep and possibly reducing your risk of many other respiratory or cardiac issues.

Dental anxiety, caused by numerous factors, is the number one reason nearly 60 million Americans use as an excuse to avoid routine dental visits. If you have had a difficult dental experience or are one of those 60 million with anxiety severe enough to cause you to avoid the type of dental care you need, YOUR WORRIES ARE OVER!

Our office is now utilizing the NuCalm System. Through the use of natural supplements, dark glasses and neural stimuli, this system allows the patient to leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

NuCalm is unique because it creates deep relaxation without using narcotics or controlled substances. This means NO side effects and it requires no recuperative time or supervision.

Over 9,000 patients across the United States have used NuCalm with zero adverse events. Of these, 97% would recommend NuCalm to their family and friends.

News of this amazing technology is spreading fast. You don't have to avoid the dentist anymore. It has even been featured on ABC 7 Chicago News Health Beat. The link can be accessed through our website at www.hartmanndds.com and click on the pain management tab.

NuCalm relaxes you, yet allows you to remain in control and aware at all times. You leave your appointment feeling relieved and rejuvenated.

FEAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS NO MORE! Call us for more information or to set up your next appointment using the NuCalm System.

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the River Forest, IL area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Hartmann and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.
As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.

--Dr. Hartmann