Expert Assistance for Sleep Apnea in the Charlotte Area
Oct 31, 2019 04:31PM ● By Shannon Mc Kenzie
by Martin Miron
Preferred
Sleep Solutions of the Carolinas has merged with Carolina Sleep Solutions to
provide custom oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Dr.
Rick Van Gurp is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
and Dr. John Kempter holds ABDSM qualified dentist status pending his diplomat
status.
Van Gurp and Kempter strictly adhere to protocols as set forth by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which includes collaborating with local sleep physicians in the care of patients. This merger represents the first multi-location, dedicated dental sleep medicine practice in the Charlotte metropolitan area with board-certified providers.
Success in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a dental device requires a clear understanding of the disorder and customization of the device. Van Gurp is one of fewer than 1 percent of dentists in the U.S. that have earned board certification with the ABDSM, assuring patients that they will not only receive the highest level of care, but also the greatest likelihood of a successful result in controlling their obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. His patients include physicians and other colleagues in the medical and dental profession which speaks to his reputation and the level of service he and his staff provide.
Kempter states, “I have always been a heavy snorer, but it wasn’t until I was 31 I finally admitted I had a sleeping problem. I found myself to be 215 pounds and with high blood pressure. For several months prior to 2012, my wife had been telling me that during the night there were times when I wasn’t breathing. She would stay up and count how long I wasn’t breathing and sometimes it was over 10 seconds. That should have been enough for me to seek treatment, but it wasn’t.”
He finally saw a sleep doctor, was sent for a sleep test and diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea. “The test showed that I had stopped breathing over 76 times an hour (more than once a minute)!” says Kempter. “Because of the severity of my condition, I was given a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Luckily for me, I was able to tolerate wearing the CPAP. Almost immediately, I felt more rested; plus, my wife was no longer hearing me choke, gasp or snore.”
He shares, “I have had drastic changes in my life. Because of getting rest every night, my body gets a chance to reset every evening. Due to this major change and also some other big changes in my life (diet, exercise), I have been able to lose over 20 pounds and my blood pressure is now considered below normal. I have also been able to use a custom-made dental device, which is a life saver when traveling.” Kempter concludes, “It is my personal journey that led me to launch Preferred Sleep Solutions and merging with Carolina Sleep Solutions strengthens our combined offering and reach.”
