Dentist and Airway Dentistry Desert Hot Springs
Where dentistry and sleep apnea treatment come together to protect your mouth, airway, and energy—all in one place.
Whole‑Body Dentistry
Airway Dentistry looks beyond teeth to how your bite and breathing work so you feel better day and night, while still providing the cleanings, fillings, and crowns your family needs.
Complete Family Care
From regular checkups and emergency visits to restorative work, you receive full‑service dentistry, and we also screen for airway and sleep issues that can quietly affect your teeth and health.
Sleep‑Healthy Smiles
Custom dental care helps protect your teeth, reduce clenching, and improve airflow during sleep, giving you quieter nights, brighter mornings, and a healthier and confident smile.
A Dentist You Can Trust
Looking for a dentist in Desert Hot Springs who looks at more than just teeth? Airway Dentistry focuses on how your mouth connects to your breathing, sleep, and overall health. We provide preventive dental care, restorative treatment, and airway-focused evaluations in a calm, supportive setting. Patients often come to us feeling tired, anxious, or frustrated, and leave with clearer answers and a plan that makes sense for their health.
Dr. Juana R. Cavinder, DDS, MPH, has more than 30 years of clinical experience and advanced training in airway-focused dentistry. Our practice welcomes patients from Mission Lakes, Dos Palmas, Wardman Heights, and nearby Desert Hot Springs neighborhoods. Patients throughout Riverside County trust our education-first approach, non-judgmental care, and help navigating insurance and flexible payment options.
Who We Help
Airway Dentistry helps people who want clear answers and calm, respectful care. Many of our patients feel unsure where to start and want guidance without pressure or judgment. We take time to listen and explain what is happening in simple terms. We commonly help:
- Adults with delayed dental care and want gentle, understanding treatment.
- Patients with dental anxiety who need a slower, more comfortable approach.
- People who want to protect their teeth and oral health as they age.
- Adults who snore, wake up tired, or suspect sleep apnea.
- Patients looking for options beyond CPAP to improve sleep and breathing.
Dr. Juana R. Cavinder, DDS, MPH, and the Airway Dentistry team focus on education and whole-body health. If you want to feel informed, respected, and confident about your care, this practice was built for you.
Dental Services Focused on Whole-Body Health
General Dentistry
Evidence-based dental care to maintain healthy teeth, gums, and long-term oral comfort.
- Dental exams and digital X-rays
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Gum disease
- Tooth extractions
Restorative Dentistry
Targeted restorative dental care to repair damage, restore function, and protect oral health.
- Dental Implants
- Dental crowns
- Dentures
- Bridges for missing teeth
Cosmetic Dentistry
Thoughtful cosmetic dental care to enhance smiles while preserving natural strength and function.
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain Veneers
- Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Tooth bonding
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea affects how you breathe while you sleep and often goes unnoticed for years. Many people think loud snoring or daytime fatigue is normal, but these can be signs that airflow is being restricted at night. When breathing pauses during sleep, it can affect energy levels, heart health, mood, and overall quality of life.
Sleep apnea treatment at our practice focuses on improving airflow by addressing the structure of the mouth and jaw. We use custom oral appliances that gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. For patients who qualify, we also offer Vivos, a non surgical appliance system designed to support airway development and long term breathing improvement. These options are often chosen by people who cannot tolerate CPAP or want a more comfortable solution.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can happen suddenly and often come with pain, swelling, or anxiety. Severe toothaches, broken teeth, infections, or facial swelling should not be ignored, since these issues can worsen quickly without care. Many patients in Desert Hot Springs and nearby communities seek emergency care when discomfort starts interfering with daily life.
Emergency dental care focuses on relieving pain, treating infection, and stabilizing the problem as soon as possible. Dr. Cavinder, brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to evaluating urgent dental concerns with a calm, clear approach. Prompt emergency care helps protect your teeth, reduce complications, and support your overall health.
We Accept Most Insurance Plans
Paying for dental care should feel clear and manageable, not stressful. We work with most major dental insurance plans and take time to help patients understand how their benefits apply to treatment. If you have questions about coverage or costs, our team will walk you through your options before care begins.
For patients without insurance or those needing flexibility, we also accept CareCredit, credit cards, cash, and checks. Payment options are discussed openly and respectfully, with no pressure or surprises. The goal is to make it easier to move forward with care while staying comfortable and informed.
Dr. Juana R. Cavinder, DDS, MPH
Dr. Juana R. Cavinder, DDS, MPH (CA License #44296), is a general dentist with more than 30 years of clinical experience and advanced training in airway-focused dentistry. She holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Public Health, blending hands-on dental care with a broader understanding of how oral health impacts overall wellbeing.
Dr. Cavinder’s clinical focus includes general dentistry, dental implants, and airway-centered treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, with an emphasis on treating root causes rather than symptoms alone. She is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), OCDS / Tri-County Dental Society, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners (ACA), and has participated in ACA workshops as part of her ongoing professional education.
Her approach is calm, educational, and non-judgmental, helping patients feel informed, respected, and confident about their care.
Why Choose Airway Dentistry & Dr. Cavinder
Many patients choose us because they want to feel comfortable, informed, and respected. We take time to listen, explain options clearly, and never rush decisions. Care is calm, supportive, and free of pressure.
With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Juana R. Cavinder, DDS, MPH, brings a steady, education-first approach to every visit. We also focus on how oral health connects to sleep, breathing, and overall wellbeing, which helps patients make confident, informed decisions about their care.
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Contact Us
Phone:
760-329-2227
Address:
11400 Palm Dr,
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Email:
info@airwaydentistry.com
Practice Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Dr. Juana Cavinder
CA License #: 44296
Link to Verify License
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve avoided the dentist for years, can I still be helped?
Yes; many people with sleep or snoring issues have also put off dental care, and practices that focus on whole‑body health dentistry are used to helping without judgment. The team can prioritize urgent needs, create a step‑by‑step plan, and support you through anxiety or embarrassment so you can move toward better oral health and better sleep.
What are my options if I have dental anxiety or fear of the dentist?
Dental anxiety is very common, and modern dental practices offer several options to help you feel calm and in control. Many offices focus on a gentle approach that includes clear communication, slower pacing, and explaining each step before it happens. Knowing what to expect often reduces fear significantly.
Depending on your comfort level, options may include topical numbing, stronger local anesthesia, oral sedation, or other relaxation techniques. Some patients also benefit from noise-canceling headphones, calming music, or taking breaks during treatment. The most important step is letting the dental team know about your anxiety so care can be tailored to your needs.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a dentist about sleep apnea?
In many cases you can contact a sleep‑aware dental practice directly for an evaluation, and they will coordinate with your physician or a sleep specialist as needed. Working together, your medical and dental providers can ensure your diagnosis and treatment plan are safe, evidence‑based, and tailored to your situation.
How much do common dental treatments cost without insurance?
The cost of dental treatment without insurance depends on the type of care you need and the complexity of your case. Preventive services like exams, X-rays, and cleanings are typically the most affordable, while treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or implants vary based on materials and time involved. After an exam, we provide clear, upfront estimates so you understand your options before moving forward.
Many patients without insurance choose to spread out treatment or use flexible payment options. Our goal is to help you prioritize urgent needs first while making long-term oral health care manageable and transparent.
What should I expect during my first dental visit?
During your first dental visit, the focus is on getting to know you, your oral health history, and your goals. You can expect a comprehensive exam that may include digital X-rays, an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw, and a discussion about any concerns you have such as sensitivity, pain, or cosmetic goals. This visit is designed to be thorough but comfortable, giving the dentist a clear picture of your current oral health.
How do I know if I need a dental crown, filling, or root canal?
The type of treatment you need depends on how much of the tooth is damaged and whether the inner nerve is affected. A filling is typically recommended when decay or damage is small and the tooth structure is still strong. Fillings repair the area and restore function without covering the entire tooth.
A dental crown is often needed when a tooth is cracked, weakened, or has a large filling that cannot safely support chewing forces on its own. A root canal is recommended when decay or injury reaches the tooth nerve, causing infection or inflammation. Your dentist will use exams, X-rays, and symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to explain which option is most appropriate and why, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Will my insurance cover treatment for sleep apnea with a dental appliance?
Many medical insurance plans help cover diagnostic sleep studies and medically necessary sleep apnea treatment, including certain custom oral appliances when prescribed for obstructive sleep apnea. Coverage varies by plan, so the office typically verifies your benefits and explains your out‑of‑pocket costs before starting treatment.
Do you only serve families in Desert Hot Springs?
No, we welcome patients from Desert Hot Springs and many surrounding cities. Our practice regularly serves individuals and families from Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Thousand Palms, Sky Valley, North Palm Springs, and Whitewater.
If you live anywhere in the Coachella Valley or nearby desert communities, you are welcome to schedule an appointment. Many patients travel a short distance to receive care they trust, and our team is happy to help coordinate visits that fit your schedule.
The information on this page is provided to help you understand general dental care and the preventive services we offer. It’s not a substitute for professional diagnosis or individualized treatment. Every patient’s needs are different, and your dentist will evaluate your oral health before recommending any specific care or procedure. (For personalized guidance, please schedule an appointment with our licensed dental professional.)