Your first visit, step by step.
Nothing here is designed to be a surprise. This is exactly how care starts, what to bring, and what happens between the first call and a device that works.
Care starts with a phone call to (704) 978-7790. You do not need a referral, and you do not need to have your paperwork in order before you call.
The first phone call
We take a short sleep and health history and answer the questions you actually have. If you already have a sleep study or a referral, we request those records so you are not the one chasing paperwork.
Consultation with Dr. Sudikoff
She reviews the history and any test data, examines the airway, jaw, and bite, and explains what is happening and what the options are. If treatment here is not the right answer, you will be told that.
Benefits verified before you commit
Because this is medical care, we verify your coverage and handle any pre-authorization before treatment begins, so you know where you stand before anything is made.
Digital scan and custom fitting
A digital impression, not a boil-and-bite tray. Your appliance is manufactured to your anatomy and fitted in the office.
Follow-up and titration
The appliance is adjusted over several visits until it is comfortable and effective. Your physician receives an update, and repeat sleep testing can be arranged to confirm the result.
What to bring to your first visit.
- A photo ID and your medical insurance card, not your dental card
- Your sleep study report if you have one, or the name of the physician who ordered it
- A list of current medications
- The name and office of your primary care physician and any sleep physician
- Any night guard, appliance, or CPAP equipment you have been using
Coordination is the point.
A sleep apnea diagnosis lives with a physician, and treatment works best when the record stays in one place. We request the study, confirm the diagnosis, tell your physician which appliance was delivered, and report how follow-up is going, so nothing is stranded between two offices.
If you were sent here by a doctor, the referral page shows exactly what their office sends us.
Before your first appointment.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
No. You can call the office yourself. You do need a physician's diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea before an oral appliance can be delivered, and if you have not been tested we help arrange a home sleep apnea test and coordinate with a physician to read it.
How long is the first appointment?
Plan on a full consultation rather than a quick look. Dr. Sudikoff reviews the history, examines the airway and bite, and explains the options, so allow more time than a routine dental visit.
Do you use my dental insurance?
No. Sleep apnea treatment is medical care and is billed to medical insurance or Medicare, not dental benefits. Bring your medical card. TMJ care is frequently medical as well; we verify coverage before treatment.
How long until the appliance is ready?
The appliance is manufactured after the digital scan, then fitted at a separate visit and adjusted over the following weeks. Most people adapt to wearing it within one to two weeks.
What if I already have a CPAP?
Bring the details. Some patients switch to an oral appliance, and some do best on combination therapy, using both. That decision stays with your physician, and we coordinate it.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Kathryn Sudikoff, DMD, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.Reviewed
Ready for your first visit?
A short conversation is the fastest way to find out whether we can help. Most sleep and TMJ care here is billed to medical insurance.