Hudson Valley Health

While providing the usual treatments found in most dentists’ offices like bonding, crowns, veneers, tooth whitening, root canal, extractions and implant restoration, Dr. Gail C. Thornton of Saugerties provides a special service as well. She treats snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition in which a portion of the upper airway collapses during inhalation causing a blockage. Forty per cent of the population snores and those with sleep apnea actually stop breathing. “Some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate CPAP may be treated with an oral appliance,” says Dr. Thornton who is is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and has expertise in this area.
Of course, Dr. Thornton, who graduated from the Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, doesn’t just treat sleep apnea. For close to 25 years, she and her staff have been providing families with a full range of quality dentistry to ensure healthy and confident smiles. The office strives to promote optimal oral health in a safe, comfortable environment. Infection control is a high priority. To minimize exposure to radiation digital x-rays are used.
Every measure is taken to thoroughly evaluate each patient and promote a long term relationship through quality care and education. Starting at a young age patients are introduced to the importance of good dental home care. An intra oral camera is used to show patients various conditions in their mouths. For the younger patients preventative treatment is stressed. This includes the use of sealants to help avoid cavities and the fabrication of sports mouthguards.
“Adults often have more complicated dental needs. Every new adult patient is scheduled with me for a one hour comprehensive exam which includes a periodontal exam and an oral cancer screening. This enables me to really get to know my patients and discover what I need to do to restore a patient’s mouth to health,” says Dr. Thornton.
In Dr. Thornton’s office treatment is tailored to the needs of the patient and no one is ever pressured into a procedure just because it is available. According to Dr. Thornton “we treat every patient with concern, respect and dignity.”