Dr. Clark Is a Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Scottsdale
Dr. Jeffrey D. Clark is committed to the latest dental innovations, which is evident in everything we do at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry. We want to provide our patients with the best dental care possible, including treating the smile and the person as a whole.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects many people near Scottsdale and millions throughout the US. People with sleep apnea stop breathing sporadically throughout the night or experience shallow breathing for extended periods.
This common yet potentially dangerous condition can seriously diminish one’s overall health and well-being if left untreated. Our practice is proud to be among the few dental offices in Scottsdale that utilize Axeos 3-D Cone Beam technology with SICAT imaging to diagnose sleep apnea and provide effective, individualized treatment.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Addressing sleep apnea can lead to various improvements in your overall health and well-being. While results can vary, many patients experience significant positive changes after beginning treatment. Below are potential benefits you might notice as your sleep apnea is managed effectively.
Improved Sleep Quality
Restores normal breathing patterns, leading to uninterrupted sleep. The result is more restful, restorative sleep, leaving you feeling more refreshed and energized.
Reduced Heart Disease Risk
Lowers the risk of heart-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and arrhythmias, by ensuring your body gets adequate oxygen during sleep.
Elevated Mood
Enhances your mood by reducing irritability, anxiety, and depression. With better sleep, your emotional regulation can improve, leading to a more balanced, positive outlook.
Increased Daytime Energy
Reduces daytime fatigue so you can stay alert and active throughout the day, enhancing productivity, improving focus, and reducing the risk of drowsy-driving accidents.
Enhanced Mental Clarity
With better sleep, your brain can function optimally, reducing the risk of memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive impairments.
Better Blood Sugar Control
Promotes stable blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which benefits individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when soft tissue in the back of the throat softens and collapses and blocks the airway. The result is frequent pauses in breathing, often accompanied by loud snoring.
Since those with sleep apnea only manifest symptoms during sleep, they often go undiagnosed and only learn of the problem through a roommate or bed partner. Loud snoring should not be ignored as a potential symptom because sleep apnea can seriously affect physical and mental health.
Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
If you experience one or more of these sleep apnea symptoms on a regular basis, it’s crucial to call Dr. Clark to schedule a consultation to get the care you need:
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Daytime drowsiness
- Concentration and memory problems
- Slow reflexes
- Car accidents
- Irritability and moodiness
Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
CPAP Machines
Many sleep patients are prescribed Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a mask that feeds a constant flow of air. The goal is to keep the airway open, prevent breathing interruptions, and avoid reduced oxygen intake.
This is an excellent solution from a technical standpoint; however, many patients do not adhere to the therapy because they find the equipment uncomfortable or cumbersome. The good news is that there is an alternative to CPAP therapy that many patients prefer and is even superior in many cases: sleep apnea oral appliances.
These appliances are essentially mouthguards with attachments that move the lower jaw slightly forward. Each guard is customized to the individual patient, and when worn at night, it keeps the airway open, remodels it, and trains the tongue to remain forward in a completely nonsurgical manner.
Mandibular Advancement Device
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is often the first line of treatment. This custom oral appliance gently repositions the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open during sleep, helping reduce snoring and apnea events. Oral appliance therapy is dentist-approved and supported by the American Sleep and Breathing Academy, making it a trusted, non-invasive option for many patients. For those with more severe sleep apnea or who need additional support, other treatment options—such as CPAP therapy, combination therapy, or medical referrals—may be recommended based on your individual needs. Our team works closely with you to determine the most effective and comfortable solution for better sleep and long-term health.
How do you treat sleep apnea?
Struggling with snoring, daytime fatigue, or waking up gasping for air? You might be dealing with sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options to help you sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. At Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comfortable, non-invasive sleep apnea treatment to improve your sleep and quality of life.
1. Oral Appliance Therapy (A Dentist-Approved Solution!)
A custom oral appliance could be the perfect fix if you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This small, mouthguard-like device repositions your jaw to keep your airway open while you sleep. There are no bulky machines or masks required! It’s comfortable, portable, and an excellent alternative to CPAP therapy.
2. CPAP Therapy
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine delivers a steady air flow to keep your airway open for moderate to severe cases. While practical, many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable, making oral appliances a more appealing option.
3. Lifestyle Changes and Additional Treatments
Losing weight, adjusting sleep positions, or avoiding alcohol before bed can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms. In severe cases, surgical options may be considered.
Call Us for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Scottsdale, AZ
Please book a consultation at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry and let’s find the best solution for a better night’s sleep. Call us at (480) 585-1853!
Sleep Well for Optimal Health
Dr. Jeffrey D. Clark has been treating patients with sleep apnea for more than a decade. Dr. Clark has extensive sleep-apnea-related education and substantial experience. As our patient at Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentistry, you’ll have access to the latest treatments and technologies. Your solution will be personalized to your unique situation and help improve your sleep quality and overall quality of life.
Whether you know you have sleep apnea or fear that you may, call our office at (480) 585-1853 to schedule a consultation immediately.
Please visit our technology page for more information about Galileos, SICAT, and related technologies
