At CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), new research has shown that golfers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)who received nasal positive airway pressure (NPAP) improved their daytime sleepiness scores and lowered their golf handicap by as much as 3 strokes. This research suggest that the possibility of improving your golf game may be motivation to improve NPAP compliance rates within the golfing community. Study resultes showed that the best golfers, defined as HI <12, had the most substantial improvements in their game. Within this group, the average HI dropped from 9.2 (+/- 2.9) to 6.3 (+/- 3.0); the SQ score from 10.8 (+/- 1.9), to 2.8 (+/- 2.6).

“The biggest handicap improvements occurred in the lower handicap, often older golfers. This group typically would be expected to trend in the opposite direction due to age-related deterioration in strength and endurance,” said Mr. Friedman. “The drop in handicap among the better golfers probably reflected that the major limiting factor was not golf skill but cognitive compromise that improved when the sleep apnea was treated.”

“OSAS can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and cognitive impairment, all side effects which can negatively impact a person’s ability to golf to the best of one’s ability.” said Marc L. Benton, MD, FCCP, Atlantic Sleep and Pulmonary Associates, Madison, NJ. “As any golfer knows, when your ability to think clearly or make good decisions is compromised, the likelihood of playing your best is greatly diminished,” said Dr. Benton. “Through treatment with NPAP, we can improve many cognitive metrics, such as attention span, memory, decision-making abilities, and frustration management, which may, in turn, positively affect a person’s golf game.”

Science says a dentist can improve your golf game. Dr. Zachary Hodgins of The Dentist Studio in central Florida is ready to help you improve your golf score and help you feel alive during the day. If you are having trouble sleeping or never feel rested there is a possibilty you could be suffering from OSA.

Dr. Zach Hodgins, an Orlando dentist, is often asked about the safety of Mercury fillings that patients have in their mouths. While mercury fillings are still approved by the American Dental Association, Dr. Hodgins recognizes the hazards of this material, and has not used this material ever in his professional career. Many people do not realize the “silver” amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. In fact, a large mercury filling may contain as much mercury as a thermometer.

Mercury vaporizes easily at room temperature, and in this state, is odorless, colorless and tasteless, and very dangerous. If inhaled, mercury vapor is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The World Health Organization has concluded that dental fillings contribute more mercury to a person’s body than all other sources of mercury combined. Mercury is a powerful poison, and should be avoided. Published research demonstrates that mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic. No amount of exposure to mercury vapor can be considered harmless. Especially considering its cumulative effect. It is baffling to note that some dentists are still placing mercury fillings in patient’s mouths. It doesn’t make any sense that dentists that place mercury fillings, have to dispose of the excess mercury filling material in a special biohazardous container. Also, this container must be disposed of by a special biohazardous waste company. In the next blog posting, the dangers of Mercury Fillings will be discussed, as well as the systemic complications that have been proven to be connected with mercury toxicity.

Dr. Zach Hodgins, an Orlando Mercury Free Dentist, is a recognized leader in Dentistry. He practices mercury free dentistry. He offers patients a safe and easy way to remove their mercury fillings from their mouths.

Dr. Hodgins is a member of the IAOMT

, and utilizes mercury removal protocols established by the IAOMT, The International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.

The IAOMT is a network of dental, medical and research professionals

who seek to raise the standards of scientific biocompatibility in the dental practice with information from the latest interdisciplinary research. In the up and coming blog posts, many questions regarding Biologic Dentistry and the dangers of Mercury fillings will be discussed. For more information regarding removing your Mercury Fillings, contact Dr. Hodgins’ office at 407.647.1744.

A very happy Dentist Studio patient describing her life before after and during her complete and successful smile makeover

Q: Will I really be totally relaxed?
A: You’ll receive enough sedation so that you’ll be completely unaware of the treatment, as you would if you were asleep.

Q: Will I remember anything?
A: At the end of the treatment, you’ll have little or no memore of your dental visit.

Q: Will I feel any pain?
A: Most patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during their treatment and feel surprisingly good afterward. Local anesthetic is used in addition to the sedation drugs.

Q: Is Sedation Dentistry safe for me?
A: Before starting any treatments, we review your medical history, and we monitor you very closely while your under sedation.

Q: Will my insurance cover treatment?
A: We’ll review your insurance coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements to insure you get the dental care you need.

We’ll be happy to explain the details and benefits of Sedation Dentistry.

Just Call Our Office for an appointment 407.647.1744!

Imagine not being afraid to go to the dentist. Imagine being able to accomplish all your dental care in as little as one appointment. This is what sedation dentistry can do for you. You’ll be able to smile with confidence and chew your food without pain. If you’ve been putting off years of dental work, Sedation Dentistry can change your life.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF GOOD HEALTH AND A BEAUTIFUL SMILE!

Sedation dentistry protocols have been safely used for over 30 years with millins of dental procedures. Before starting any treatments, we review you medical history and explain how sedation dentistry can work for you. We want you to feel good about going forward towards a healthy, new smile.

The night before the procedure, you will take medication – a pill, that will ensure a good nights sleep. The morning of your appointment we will make sure that you are very comfortable and we monitor your vital signs very closely with the latest equipment. An IV is started, and the medication is administered to sedate you for your appointment. Many patientst feel no discomfort whatsoever,and have little to no memory of the visit.

WITH SEDATION DENTISTRY, YEARS OF NEGLECT CAN BE REVERSED IN A FEW HOURS.

With sedation dentistry, we can complete most of your dental care at one time. We can often do extended treatments in a couple of appointments, including:

- Whitening yellow or stained teeth
- Replacing crowns or dentures
- Fixing chipped or damaged teeth
- Restoring sore gums to good health

You can give yourself or a member of your family the gift of good dental health. My team is caring and supportive and Experienced in treating sedation patients.

Dr. Hodgins is trained and certified in IV Sedation Albert Einstein College, Montefiore Hosptial, Bronx NY
Holder of Concious Sedation License State of Florida
Member American Academy of Dental Anesthesiologists
Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology

sedation-dentistry-testimony_1.wmvA satisfied patient talks about his new smile. We gave him a new smile with porcelain veneers. His smile is whiter and brighter and ready to be shown off!!!!

OVER 150 PATIENTS SEEN IN ONE DAY!

Our first annual Dentistry From The Heart event was a huge success! On February 9, 2008, a team of volunteers, consisting of 4 dentists, 7 hygienists, and over 15 dental assistants worked from 5am-9:30pm to help the Orlando community. Dr. Hodgins organized the day of free dentistry for those in need, to help those that could not afford the most basic of dental care. The team provided services that included either a free teeth cleaning, filling, or tooth extraction on a first come first served basis. Word spread quickly about the day, and the patients actually camped out the night before the event. They traveled from as far away as West Palm Beach, and Tampa to take care of their dental needs. “It was an extremely emotional day. There were a lot of hugs and a few tears of joy and appreciation.” said Dr. Hodgins. The Dentist’s Studio understands the need to give back to the community, and will continue to hold the event durning the weekend before Valentines Day on an annual basis. Please check our website for more information regarding this year’s event and future events.

www.dentiststudio.com