Omar Wajeeh, DDS
Dr. Wajeeh always knew he wanted to do something in the medical field. “I was drawn to dentistry because the oral cavity is the first stop in the body and, therefore, it is the gateway to overall health,” he says. “Dental problems can cause or escalate systemic problems. Fortunately, most problems are easy to diagnose and treat when they are small.”
He strongly advocates patients keep their routine exam and hygiene appointments twice a year. “As with any medical concern, delaying treatment is not a good thing. Come see us regularly and let us treat any dental issue you may have while it is inexpensive and easy to fix. Ignoring a dental concern never helps it get better.”
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Wajeeh has been practicing dentistry in the New Baltimore area for more than 18 years, and he has been with the Gentle Dental Bay office since it opened in 2000. “What’s unique about our practice is that you won’t find any pretentiousness here,” he says. “You won’t get a massage or a facial, but we’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable and to provide you with the best possible dental care quickly and painlessly. We understand your time is valuable.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of dentistry for Dr. Wajeeh is getting someone out of pain. He says, “When a patient calls or comes in with an issue that is causing them considerable discomfort and we can resolve that for them, it’s a good feeling.”
Dr. Wajeeh has recently added the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to his practice. OSA is a life-threatening sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. If left untreated, it can be linked to congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, diabetes, excessive fatigue and memory loss.
Dental sleep apnea treatment is an ideal solution. When indicated, Dr. Wajeeh fits patients with an oral appliance, called a mandibular advancer, which gently pushes the lower jaw forward and changes the shape of the airway from a small elliptical shape to an open round shape, which prevents airway collapse and allows the patient to breathe easily and continuously.
“Treating OSA with a simple oral appliance is more comfortable and patient-friendly than a CPAP machine, and far less invasive than surgery,” Dr. Wajeeh explains. “There is no recovery time, and patients often experience a life-changing difference after their first night using the appliance.”
Dr. Wajeeh became interested in dental sleep apnea treatment because of his father’s struggle with OSA. “My father suffered from fatigue in addition to other health problems that can be escalated by OSA, such as diabetes. He could never get used to using the CPAP and ended up having surgery, which was difficult due to the diabetes. Had dental sleep apnea treatment been available at the time, I think it would have been very helpful for him,” Dr. Wajeeh says.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wajeeh enjoys spending time with his two children, ages 10 and 12. He coaches and referees basketball for a church league and also enjoys other sports, history, quiz shows and crossword puzzles.
Education:
University of Detroit School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI; Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1991
Dental Area of Focus:
General Dentistry, OSA Treatment
Affiliated/Dental-related Associations and Organizations:
Michigan Dental Association
American Dental Association
