Dr. Link is a Burke County native. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both his Undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degrees. Dr. Link graduated and passed the North Carolina State Dental Board examination in 1988 and began practicing that year.

Dr. Link is active in many professional dental organizations including the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, Western Piedmont Dental Society, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Academy of Laser Dentistry and Member of 3D Dental Study Club.

Dr. Link believes in the value of continuing education to advance his level of skill and knowledge to expand and continually improve the services he provides. He annually exceeds the number of continuing education hours required by the State Dental Board of Dental Examiners.

First and foremost, Dr. Link believes in treating patients as he would his own family. He always tries to provide all treatment options and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each so his patients can make informed decisions about their dental care.

At William T. Link D.D.S., we do it all -- from routine dental exams, dental X-rays, dental cleanings, filling cavities, and minor dental surgery to more advanced procedures such as teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, sleep apnea treatment and other cosmetic and restorative dental procedures.

These devices are custom fitted by dentists with special expertise and training in treating sleep apnea. They fit in the mouth, similar to a retainer or mouth guard. They open your airway by moving your lower jaw and tongue forward while you sleep. They are small, comfortable and effective.

I was forced by my wife to be evaluated over 10 years ago because I stopped breathing when I was asleep. I went for a sleep test and was told I had severe sleep apnea and was given a CPAP. No one ever really explained what was happening or the significant health risks associated with sleep apnea. I had no idea what an AHI was- just that I needed to use the machine. I did sleep better and feel better but felt like I should know more.

A little over 7 years ago I came across an online CE class on sleep apnea and decided to take it. The information in there made me REALLY want to know more. Since then I have taken over 150 hours of Continuing Education related to dental sleep medicine. I have completed the Dental Sleep Medicine Mini-Residency sponsored by UNC School of Dentistry and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. I was just accepted as a Qualified dentist for the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

I am passionate about helping people with sleep related breathing disorders. There are so many un-diagnosed people and the health consequences can be severe. Healthy sleep is as important as exercise and a healthy diet.

Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment we offer for sleep apnea and snoring is the same. By prescribing a custom oral appliance, the diameter of the airway can be widened to prevent the sounds of snoring as well as episodes of apnea. These oral appliances are soft and comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.

Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. Even though snoring can accompany sleep apnea, it is not always a symptom of this sleep disorder. For this reason, it is important to have a sleep study conducted to determine if apnea is occurring. Our practice provides take-home sleep study machinery to detect episodes of apnea during sleep. After usage, the device will be returned to our practice and we will analyze the data collected. If we find that sleep apnea is present or determine if snoring is obstructing ones quality of life, we will provide treatment recommendations.

While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.

Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isnt covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.

The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust it for your comfort.

They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.

While there are over-the-counter appliances you can order, keep in mind these are not FDA approved for treating sleep apnea. Additionally, when not fitted properly they may cause unwanted side effects such as jaw problems or excessive tooth movement.

The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea in unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.

Dr. Link and our staff are honored to provide excellent oral health care to the Burke County and our surrouding areas. We strive to build lasting relationships with our patients. As dedicated dental professionals, the health and well-being of our patients is a top priority. We provide general dentistry services such as cleanings and checkups, preventive care, and treatment for dental emergencies.

Dental cleanings remove substances that accumulate on teeth and gums especially tartar. When plaque is exposed to saliva, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Tartar is a major contributor to gum disease and when this substance builds up along the gum line, the gums will recede exposing the roots of teeth to debris and bacteria. Dental cleanings are not invasive. They are quick, comfortable treatments that leave your teeth and mouth feeling impeccably clean.

Checkups, like cleanings, are important for detecting potential oral health issues as soon as possible. A dental checkup includes a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity. During checkups, Dr. Link will screen for common issues like periodontal disease and dangerous conditions like oral cancer. Our team will also check on existing dental work to ensure that it is secure. We also screen for sleep disordered breathing problems during your visit.

Dental emergencies are unpleasant experiences. Many times, our guests in need of emergency care come to us in pain and very stressed. Our team understands that dental emergencies can be traumatic and uncomfortable. Fortunately, if dental emergencies arise, our team is here to help our patients regain oral function and their comfort.

Common dental emergencies we treat include toothaches, broken or lost restorations, and knocked out/cracked teeth. If you require emergency dental care, call our practice to speak with our staff. When calling, be sure to give as many details as you can about the nature of your emergency and your symptoms. This information will help us prepare for your visit.

Visiting our office regularly is an integral part of protecting and preserving your precious oral tissue like teeth and gums. If we do not visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, we stand to develop advanced forms of common oral conditions like periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Visiting a dental practice regularly increases your odds of having potential issues detected early on. For the most part, detecting disease and problems early means that treating these issues is less invasive, less time consuming, and less expensive. Some services are preventive in nature meaning they can thwart the progression of an issue like tooth decay by strengthening teeth. Professional cleanings also provide a safe, non-invasive method for preventing issues like periodontal disease and caries because cleanings remove substances that cannot be brushed or flossed away.

Brushing and flossing are the foundation of ones oral hygiene routine both are powerful weapons for preventing common oral diseases. You should brush your teeth twice per day, every day. You should also floss your teeth once a day, too. It is preferred that patients brush their teeth just before bedtime for optimal protection from bacteria that colonize while one sleeps.

Brushing is useful for cleaning the biting surfaces of teeth along with much of their front and back sides. The motion of brushing along with the foaming agents in toothpaste helps remove plaque deposits and kill bacteria. When brushing, it is important to brush all sides of a tooth thoroughly with gentle, soft strokes. Brushing too vigorously can damage the gums. When one is flossing, it is important to gently thread floss around each tooth especially those in difficult to reach places like the back of the mouth.

Most patients typically have two cleanings every year, scheduled six months apart. Dental cleanings are an integral part of preventing common, destructive oral health conditions. Cleanings are non-invasive and comfortable, too. Our hygienists can gently remove harmful tartar and plaque deposits while also evaluating the health of your gums and teeth.