05 Jul Dr. John Wilkinson’s Visit to Our Clinic
Last month TSGQ was thrilled to welcome a prominent dentist from Toowong, Dr. John Wilkinson to our clinic for a collaborative and enlightening evening. Dr. Wilkinson has a strong interest in dental sleep medicine, so we were pleased to have him join our team to gain a deeper understanding of our sleep study procedures by sitting in with two of our overnight sleep technicians.
During his visit, Dr. Wilkinson observed firsthand the comprehensive process involved in conducting sleep studies. He was introduced to sleep staging, a crucial aspect of our analysis, which involves monitoring brain activity through EEG and eye movements using EOG. Dr. Wilkinson also witnessed the CPAP titration process. By observing the titration process, Dr. Wilkinson gained insights into how we tailor CPAP settings to ensure optimal airway pressure for each patient, enhancing their breathing and sleep quality.
An unexpected highlight of the night was encountering a patient exhibiting signs of bruxism, or teeth grinding. This condition not only affects sleep quality but can also lead to significant dental issues. Dr. Wilkinson’s expertise as a dentist provided invaluable insights into the oral health consequences of bruxism. He discussed how chronic teeth grinding can lead to tooth wear, fractures, and TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain and dysfunction.
Dr. Wilkinson shared various treatment options for bruxism with our technicians, including the use of custom-made oral appliances, stress management techniques, and behavioural therapies. One of the key treatment methods was the use of mandibular advancement splints (MAS). These devices are designed to hold the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep, which not only protects the teeth from bruxism but also helps to keep the airway open and prevent apnoea’s.
Mandibular advancement splints are custom fitted by dentists to ensure comfort and effectiveness. They work by repositioning the jaw and tongue to prevent airway obstruction, thus improving airflow and reducing snoring and apnoea’s. Dr. Wilkinson explained that regular follow-up appointments are crucial for patients using MAS to ensure proper fit and to make necessary adjustments over time. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of patient education on the use and maintenance of these devices to maximize their benefits.
The collaboration between our sleep clinic and Dr. Wilkinson highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in healthcare. By integrating dental and sleep medicine, we can offer more comprehensive care to our patients, addressing both their sleep and oral health needs. Dentists often play a key role in identifying and managing sleep-related disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea and bruxism, as they frequently observe the oral manifestations and anatomical risk factors of these conditions during routine dental exams and maxillofacial radiographic imaging.
Dr. Wilkinson’s visit was a fantastic opportunity for mutual learning and professional development. We deeply appreciate his contributions and look forward to more such enriching interactions in the future.