SERVICES

Dental Sleep Medicine

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

Dental Sleep Medicine involves the use of oral appliances for the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders (SBD) such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

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What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by multiple apnea events. These events are due to short-duration blockages of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in decreased airflow to the lungs. OSA in general decreases the quality of life of the affected adults. In fact, it is a life threatening condition and has been reported as a risk factor for depression, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, reduced vitality, impotence, diabetes, obesity, and occupational and motor vehicle accidents.

Classic symptoms of OSA include loud snoring and arousal/awakening from sleep, daytime sleepiness, tiredness, and lack of concentration. However, patients with OSA may not present clinically with these symptoms. Since, there are three types of apnea — central, mixed, and OSA — an accurate medical history and an overnight polysomnography studying at a sleep clinic are necessary to diagnose the condition.

How do you treat Sleep Apnea?

Among the non-surgical treatment options for OSA are: behavioral modification, CPAP, medication, and intraoral mandibular advancement appliances. The scientific literature reports that mandibular advancement appliances have been successfully used as an alternative option for treating mild-to-moderate OSA in adults who do not tolerate the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Most intraoral appliances hold the jaw forward which opens the airway.

Our dental team treats patients referred by sleep specialists and diagnosed with OSA by fabricating intraoral appliances. When appropriately used, the custom made intraoral appliance is effective in treating snoring and mild-to-moderate OSA, and can reduce OSA by more than 50% in patients with Severe OSA.

With treatment, patients report a decrease of their symptoms and experience an improvement in the quality of sleep. TMD is not a contraindication to having oral appliance therapy as long as it is managed by an Orofacial pain Specialist like Dr. Gabriel.

A Word From Our Patients

    
 
 
         
   Lindsey Resnik 
 20 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Dr. Gabriel in 2023 when my jaw pain and migraines had reached a debilitating point. She was my last ditch attempt at finding relief as other doctors had no other ideas. It has been a long road but she never gave up on me and has been extremely kind and caring the entire time. She has always advocated for me and collaborated with my other doctors and physical therapist. I can’t recommend her and her team enough! I’m eternally grateful to be in her care.
  
 
        
   Landon Sorensen 
 17 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve lived the past 20 years and thanks to Dr.  Gabriel I am pain free! Her approach to combine different therapies has worked since my first visit. She and her staff are so helpful and supportive. I would give 100 stars if I could!
  
 
        
   Judith Suthar 
 12 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The entire experience has been very pleasant.  I wholeheartedly recommend this practice!
  
 
        
   Carmen Raventos-Suarez 
 11 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and comfortable interaction with everyone The doctor explain carefully the advantages of using the device, their control over use and the 3year coverage for optimal use It was really a pleasure to interact with everybody that took care of me
  
 
        
   Jeffrey Sargent 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today was my first visit the office of Dr Carol Gabriel at NOVA Orofacial Pain. I rarely do reviews, but I was so impressed with this office, the doctor, and the staff, that I felt compelled to review. Prior to my first appointment, staff were thorough in explaining the intake process and information they needed to evaluate and treat me. Upon arrival at the office for the first time, the staff was cordial, professional, and very helpful. After completing my paperwork, I was promptly taken to an exam room. The assistants were courteous and explained what would be done during my visit and prepared me for the doctor by methodically and thoroughly going through my medical history. Dr Gabriel asked detailed questions about my symptoms, other medical conditions, previous orofacial consultations and asked about expectations. She talked with me in detail about my X-rays, explaining the changes since my previous X-rays done five years prior. She explained how the X-rays showed significant change and discussed treatment options and recommendations for lifestyle changes. This was the most detailed and helpful medical consultation I have ever had, and I feel very good about the journey I have begun with this practice to improve my maxillofacial health.
  
 
        
   Ryan Reynolds 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic experience. Amazing professionalism and a willingness to make you feel heard.
  
 
        
   Lauren Pomeroy 
 26 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Gabriel and her staff are wonderful. I’ve had persistent TMJ pain for years and Dr Gabriel has provided me with so much relief! If you are experiencing facial pain I urge you to see her practice. She is incredibly knowledgeable in her field and is an absolute pro at what she’s does!