BELLEVILLE, IL—(Marketwired – November 10, 2015) – Dr. Michael Smith, a talented Belleville dentist, is expanding his dental procedures by attending lectures and online courses on new sleep apnea treatment.
Dr. Smith, who practices at Dr. Thomas Feder's Belleville dental practice, is studying the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and different methods of treatment for both adults and children.
Sleep apnea is common problem that occurs when the upper airway is obstructed during sleep. Patients with untreated sleep apnea face a higher risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes and persistent headaches.
“Sleep apnea is a serious problem that can severely decrease your overall quality of life or lead to serious medical problems,” Dr. Feder said. “We're happy to have a dentist dedicated to solving this common problem for people in our community.”
Dr. Smith is studying how to diagnose sleep apnea and treat the problem using an oral appliance. A sleep apnea oral appliance moves the lower jaw forward, allowing the airway to stay open during sleep. Sleep apnea appliances have become popular options for patients who cannot tolerate a cumbersome continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Dr. Smith said patients do not find the oral appliance uncomfortable and see their sleep apnea symptoms subside within a few days of wearing the appliance.
“Our office is excited to undergo new training that can help patients in more aspects of their lives and improve their overall quality of life,” Dr. Smith said.
Dr. Smith graduated from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in 2011 and also serves as the state dental officer with the Illinois Army National Guard Dental Corps. Since graduating from dental school, Dr. Smith has made an effort to stay abreast of the latest changes in dentistry through continuing education and reputable dental seminars.
Dr. Feder's Belleville dental practice, at 16 N. Jackson St., has seven dental chairs, digital X–rays and TVs in each room for patient comfort.
Dr. Feder has been in practice for more than 40 years, providing general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. He was inspired to become a dentist by his father and great uncle, both of whom were Illinois dentists.
Dr. Feder's office offers cleanings, exams, fillings, teeth whitening, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures and dental implant restorations. He uses a revolutionary tool called the Vibraject to give pain–free injections to patients. The Vibraject sends out vibrations to distract the brain from feeling pain in the area of the injection. The vibration also allows for the anesthesia to take effect quickly.
Dr. Feder graduated from the St. Louis University School of Dentistry in 1970. He served three years with the U.S. Public Health Service, two of which he was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard. He has been in private practice since 1973. Dr. Feder earned his Fellowship recognition from the Academy of General Dentistry in 1982 and was voted one of America's Best Dentists in 2013 by the National Consumer Advisory Board.
Dr. Feder is committed to public service and spent 12 years on the Belle Valley School Board. To learn about Dr. Feder's Belleville family dentistry, visit his website at www.thomasjfeder.com or call 618–219–1412.
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