DesertSmiles Blog

Dr. Wilcox spent 3 days this last week attending continuing education at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He was one of 25 dentists from across the US and Canada attending lectures from Dr. Kent Smith of Dallas. He is a dentist who has treated patients for sleep apnea and snoring for over ten years and is a expert in the field of Dental Sleep Medicine.

The field of Sleep Medicine is literally growing daily with the realization of the severity of sleep apnea and associated health risks. Nearly 70% of adults are estimated to have some degree of sleep apnea and in some cases it is life threatening. The effects on cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes are becoming more understood. Other ramifications vary from GERD to impotency, not to mention the effect of poor sleep on one's performance and ability to enjoy life to the fullest. It is estimated that nearly 20% of Americans sleep separately from their bed partners due to snoring.

We will be adding more information to our website shortly (www.DesertSmiles.com) to help patients understand the ramifications of untreated sleep breathing disorders such as apnea and snoring. We will have more information regarding oral appliances and their use and effectiveness in treating sleep breathing disorders. For more information feel free to contact DesertSmiles at 602-978-1790.

For more information on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry or sleep apnea in the Phoenix, Peoria, and Glendale Arizona areas please contact Dr. Wilcox.