We are proud to say that Dr. Walt Pfitzinger, D.D.S, M.S., Diplomate American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, is a member in good standing with the following:
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Dental Association
Missouri Dental Association
Dr. Pfitzinger has been providing care in medical dentistry for almost a decade and takes great pride and care in choosing the most durable and top of the line products for his patients, to the point of demoing them himself. He provides continuous individualized care for his patients, following their treatment and progress very closely to ensure the best results possible. An oral appliance is a device that is worn in the mouth that helps to improve sleep quality by controlling sleep apnea as well as snoring. The oral appliance gently positions the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward from the normal position. This opens space in the back of the throat and reduces tissue obstruction, helping to keep the patient's airway open and clear during sleep. HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED AN ORAL APPLIANCE? An oral appliance can be recommended to treat snoring, or as an option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be an elective alternative for patients who cannot use or refuse to use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) equipment. IS ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY CONSIDERED A MEDICAL SERVICE? Yes it is. The U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) has classified oral appliances as Class II medical devices and most insurance companies include coverage for this therapy under their medical plans. Also, criteria developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) define obstructive sleep apnea as a medical condition that can be treated by dental professionals who had advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Patients are referred to this treatment by their physicians only after a sleep study establishes a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. WHO CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE? Dentists who have obtained advanced training in the field of dental sleep medicine are recommended for fitting oral appliances. At our office, we work together with your physician to provide oral appliance therapy for sleep disordered breathing. WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE PROCEDURE? In most cases the answer is yes. All insurance is considered for possible participation. Plaza Dental Group has contracts with most medical insurance companies and we are even able to provide care for Medicare and Tricare patients. Our office with pre-authorize the treatment that is determined the best for you. Your insurance will be addressed with you directly prior to moving forward with therapy. All findings will be reviewed with your referring physician to ensure that the treatment is in line with your overall health plan. Any other questions regarding insurance coverage, the procedure, or other general questions can be addressed by
calling (573) 817- 2222 ext: 2125,
texting (573) 817- 2222, or
emailing the office at mgoade@toothemail.com
