Fairfield County Dentist Learns New Approaches to Treating Sleep Apnea at Recent Conference for Dental Sleep Medicine

STAMFORD, CT--(Marketwired - Jul 16, 2013) - The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) recently held its annual conference, attracting dentists from all over the country. Dr. Edward Shukovsky, a dentist in Stamford, has been attending the conferences for the past few years, and says each year he looks forward to learning from his colleagues and improving his education and technique. Dr. Shukovsky notes that conferences like this are an excellent way for dental professionals to refine their skills, ultimately benefitting their patients. This year's AADSM conference was held in Baltimore, Maryland and was set up to dovetail with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)'s conference, which is directed at sleep physicians and other medical professionals, and focuses on conditions such as sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition Dr. Shukovsky says he is extremely interested in learning more about. In a recent blog post discussing snoring and sleep apnea, Dr. Shukovsky highlights one of the most interesting lectures he attended at this year's AADSM conference, which focused on how sleep disturbed breathing can affect children's development. Although he has few adolescent patients, he explains some of the content of the lecture can be applied to patients of any age. The lecture was presented by Jeffrey Rouse, DDS. Dr. Shukovsky says Dr. Rouse described the importance of understanding the connection between the airway, oral cavity, and nasal passages. "By being more aware of this, I have a better, well-rounded, global view of all my patients, whether they're twelve years old or eighty years old," Dr. Shukovsky explains.

Taking from what he has learned at the conference, the Fairfield County cosmetic dentist strives to look at the larger picture when treating his patients. Dr. Shukovsky says taking the airway into account as part of the examination and treatment process can help dentists like himself to recognize underlying issues like sleep apnea. He clarifies that although dentists are not able to diagnose sleep apnea, they are able to run patients through a screening process to determine if it may be necessary for the patient to have a sleep study, or polysomnogram, conducted by a sleep physician. Dr. Shukovsky says many patients are now able to use a kit to have the study done in the comfort of their own home, rather than at a hospital or sleep center. Once information has been gathered, if appropriate, he is able to help his patients by creating a sleep appliance that assists in opening the patient's airway as they sleep. He urges those who suspect they may suffer from this condition to seek a qualified sleep physician, or consult their dentist for a referral.

About Edward Shukovsky, D.M.D.

Dr. Edward Shukovsky is a member of several distinguished dental organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. At his private dental practice in Stamford, he offers a comprehensive range of options for general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatment, as well as custom-designed oral appliances for patients diagnosed with sleep apnea. He is available for interview upon request.