LEXINGTON, KY — Dr. Patricia Takacs wants Lexington residents to snore less and sleep better. Because of her continued work in the area of snoring and sleep apnea treatment, she has been named a Diplomate by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM).

The board is the leading national organization for dentists who use oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. This is a treatment alternative that many patients find more comfortable and convenient than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. By naming Dr. Takacs a Diplomate, the ABDSM is recognizing her training and experience with dental sleep medicine.

Dr. Takacs is the owner of the TMJ and Sleep Dentistry Center of Central Kentucky. She has helped many patients who found sleeping with CPAPs difficult because of the face masks, tubing, and running motors of the machines.

Oral appliances work in a different way. They are mouthguard-like devices that keep patients’ airways open and unobstructed.

“Many people don’t know that an effective — and comfortable — alternative to CPAP is available for sleep apnea patients,” Dr. Takacs said. “I’m committed to using my knowledge of dental sleep medicine to treat snoring and sleep apnea and to provide my patients with a better night’s rest.”

For some people, CPAP can work as a sleep apnea treatment. Unfortunately, up to half of all patients with CPAPs do not use them regularly, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

In contrast, patients who use oral appliances generally prefer their comfortability, portability, and quietness. It also helps that the appliances are easy to wear and to care for.

“To put it simply, patients are more likely to use an oral appliance,” Dr. Takacs said. “I work with my patients and their sleep physicians to find the right kind of oral appliance, create custom-fitted devices, and make adjustments to ensure more restful sleep.”

The TMJ and Sleep Dentistry Center of Central Kentucky is located at 2408 Sir Barton Way, Suite 275, in Lexington. Patients who snore loudly, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or struggle with tolerating CPAP treatment should contact Dr. Takacs at 859-721-2072 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Takacs works closely with sleep physicians to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Takacs graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry with high honors in 1983. Before attending dental school, she worked in a dental office in Vienna and Williamstown, WV. She has advanced training from the Spear Learning Continuum and has completed a mini residency in sleep medicine at Tufts University.

She holds memberships with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, Bluegrass Dental Society, Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, Academy of Computerized Dentistry, Academy of Gp Orthodontics, and Academy of Laser Dentistry.

About the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine was started in 1991 as a national, non-profit professional society for dentists who treat sleep apnea and snoring. The academy provides resources for dentists to further their education. It also promotes oral appliances as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and related issues.

The academy has more than 2,800 member dentists worldwide. For more information, visits the website aadsm.org or call 859-223-2120.