San Diego Sleep Apnea Dentist

Discover dental solutions for sleep apnea.

Pediatric & Adult Dentistry:
(858) 676-5000

Orthodontics:
(858) 676-5010

Sleep apnea isn’t “just snoring”

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that disrupts your breathing while you sleep, often without you realizing it. These interruptions can happen dozens of times per night, preventing deep, restorative sleep and putting stress on your entire body.

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, foggy, or waking up with headaches, the cause may be happening while you sleep.

As a trusted San Diego sleep apnea dentist, our team helps patients identify potential symptoms and explore dental-based treatment options that support better breathing and long-term wellness.

A smiling older woman with short white hair sits in a dental chair wearing a blue protective bib.

Tackling sleep apnea

Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep, can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. It’s typically caused by blockages in the airway (obstructive sleep apnea) or irregular brain signals that control breathing (central sleep apnea).

To manage this condition, treatments may include using a CPAP machine to keep airways open, lifestyle changes like weight loss or quitting smoking, dental devices, and, in severe cases, surgery. Our specialized team is dedicated to finding the right solution for you.

The advantages of treating sleep apnea

Better Sleep

No more waking up gasping for air.

Healthier Heart

Reduce strain on your cardiovascular system.

Sharper Mind

Improve memory, focus, and cognitive function.

Convenient Treatment

Oral appliances are easy to use and maintain.

Common signs of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can be easy to overlook because many symptoms appear gradually. If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to seek help:

  • Loud snoring (especially reported by a partner)
  • Waking up gasping or choking
  • Morning headaches
  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
  • Daytime fatigue, even after “enough” sleep
  • Trouble focusing or memory issues
  • Irritability or mood changes

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a San Diego sleep apnea dentist can help you take the next step toward better rest.

A smiling older man with gray hair reclines in a dental chair, holding a handheld mirror to examine his teeth.
San Diego Dental Specialists office exterior with a red-tiled roof and green trim, surrounded by trees, plants, and people nearby.

The journey to treating sleep apnea

  • Comprehensive evaluation: We start with a thorough assessment of your symptoms and sleep patterns.
  • Custom oral appliance: We create a personalized dental device that keeps your airway open while you sleep.
  • Follow-up care: Regular check-ins ensure your treatment is effective and comfortable.
  • Lifestyle guidance: We provide tips to complement your treatment, like weight management or sleep position adjustments.

Flexible payment and
insurance options

We're dedicated to providing top-quality dental care that's accessible to everyone, from children to adults. We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and a wide range of insurance plans, so you can focus on your family's oral health without worrying about the cost.

Insurance plans we accept

Let us help you make dental care simple, affordable, and stress-free for your whole family.

No Insurance? No Problem!

Don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from getting the care you need. We proudly offer CareCredit financing, allowing you to:

  • NBreak payments into manageable monthly installments
  • NChoose flexible plans tailored to your budget
  • NAccess affordable care without upfront costs

With CareCredit, your family’s oral health is always within reach. Let us help you explore your options today!

    Personalized care for patients of all ages

    Our San Diego board certified pediatric dentists go above and beyond to ensure your family’s comfort, provide tailored care, and set them up for a cavity-free future.

    What to expect at your first visit:

    • NComprehensive oral exam
    • NProfessional cleaning (if tolerated)
    • NDigital x-rays (if needed)
    • NFriendly discussions about your goals and dental health

    For children under 3, we offer a complimentary courtesy visit to check their progress and prevent future issues. Every visit is focused on building trust and ensuring a positive experience.

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    Hear it straight from our patients

    We first brought our 3-year-old son for dental care and were so impressed by their patience and attentiveness that my husband and I scheduled our own appointments before leaving. Every visit, we’re greeted warmly and feel truly welcome. Everyone, from general dentistry to ortho, has been wonderful—professional, honest, and thorough in explaining treatments without pushing unnecessary services. I highly recommend this office to anyone seeking quality dental care!

    — L. Quiroz

    We’ve been coming here for 10 years, and they always treat my children as if they were their own family. The best dental care for both kids and adults!

    — G. Roed

    We are so happy with our dental care here. It’s wonderful to find a place that accepts and understands all types of children. My son even told me he prefers San Diego Dental Specialists over his previous dentist! We’ll be back, and we definitely recommend them.

    — N. Graber

    Visit Our Office

    We strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Enjoy amenities like:

    • Personalized entertainment: Individual music and TV/DVD viewing during your appointment.
    • Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected while you wait.

    11616 Iberia Place
    San Diego, CA 92128
    Get Directions

    Monday: 8am – 5 pm
    Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
    Wednesday: 8am – 5pm
    Thursday: 8am – 5pm
    Friday: 8am – 2:30pm
    Saturday: 8am – 3pm (2 Saturdays per month)

    Pediatric & Adult Dentistry: (858) 676-5000
    Orthodontics: (858) 676-5010

    Healthy smiles start here

    Take the first step toward exceptional dental care for your family.
    Click below to schedule your visit today!

    FAQs

    Can a dentist really treat sleep apnea?

    Yes, dentists can provide oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, which helps keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw and tongue during sleep.

    Do I need a sleep study first?

    In many cases, yes. A sleep study helps confirm whether sleep apnea is present and determines severity. Once diagnosed, a San Diego sleep apnea dentist can help guide treatment options.

    Is a sleep apnea oral appliance the same as a nightguard?

    No. A nightguard is typically used for grinding and clenching. A sleep apnea appliance is designed specifically to improve airflow and reduce airway obstruction.

    How long does it take to get an oral appliance?

    After evaluation and impressions, most appliances can be created within a few weeks. Follow-up adjustments help ensure comfort and effectiveness.

    Can sleep apnea affect my overall health?

    Yes. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to cardiovascular strain, fatigue-related accidents, high blood pressure, and poor cognitive function.