Central Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient stops breathing or takes pauses while breathing during sleep. There are two different types of sleep apnea. We’ve previously mentioned obstructive sleep apnea, but in this post, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, are going to discuss central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea has similarities to obstructive sleep apnea but the difference is that there is no blockage of the airway.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because of a physical blockage in the airway, while central sleep apnea is more psychological. In central sleep apnea, breathing is regularly disrupted during sleep because of the way the brain functions. The symptoms remain the same; therefore, if you experience morning headaches, restless sleep, or chronic fatigue, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and explore your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Missing Incisors

If you’re missing a pair of incisors, you’re not alone. In about 2% of the adult population, the upper lateral incisors (the ones on the sides of the central incisors, or front teeth) either never descend or never grow at all. At the offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, our dentists have a great deal of experience in providing prosthetic teeth and other assistance that can provide people who are missing teeth with healthy, beautiful smiles.

Although it is somewhat unusual for the lateral incisors to not descend, it is a common problem with upper canines. Dentists who perform oral surgery often cut away a bit of gum tissue, allowing orthodontists to attach brackets to the impacted teeth. They can then be guided downward with orthodontic wires while the other teeth are moved aside to make room. In cases where there simply are no lateral incisors, artificial ones may be fabricated. Single implants, fixed bridges, and removable dentures are all possible options, depending on the state of the patient’s other teeth and where they end up after orthodontic therapy has opened up enough space for new teeth. After getting their new incisors, the patient will have to be vigilant about wearing their retainer, since the denture or bridge will be designed based on the assumption that the surrounding teeth do not move again.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, www.miami-dental.com through a contact form.

White Spot Lesions

You probably are familiar with dark-colored tooth stains, but what do you do about white spots? Although teeth can become stained through consumption of dark-colored drinks and food, white spot lesions or incipient lesions indicate a threat to your mouth’s health. Fortunately, at the offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we can provide treatment and restore your smile’s beauty.

Tooth enamel looks unnaturally white early in the process of demineralization. This effect can be seen on the back teeth of people suffering from acid reflux. More commonly, it results from oral infections. As bacteria feed, they produce acid, which erodes the teeth. The gum line, the sides of teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach, and the areas surrounding orthodontic brackets are all common places for white spots to develop. It only takes about thirty days for bacteria to erode enough enamel to be visible.

White spot lesions indicate the presence of an infection that needs to be brought under control before anything else can be done. When the infection is no longer active, the white spot will look shinier. If necessary, it can be treated with remineralization therapy or covered with bonding or a veneer.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.