Sleep Apnea and Snoring Care in Cornwall, Ontario
If you snore loudly, wake unrefreshed or your partner has noticed pauses in your breathing at night, it is worth having a conversation. Our Cornwall dental team can help identify signs associated with sleep-disordered breathing and, when appropriate, discuss oral appliance therapy in coordination with your physician.
A dental examination does not replace a medical sleep assessment. Oral appliance therapy may not be suitable for every patient. Treatment recommendations and outcomes vary based on your oral health, medical history and individual needs.
Could sleep apnea be affecting you?
Symptoms that may warrant discussion include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Witnessed pauses in breathing
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Restless sleep
- Frequent nighttime waking
Patients from Cornwall, South Stormont and nearby communities often begin this conversation at a regular dental visit.
The dentist’s role
Dentists can identify signs and risk factors that may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing. However, a formal diagnosis of sleep apnea is generally made by a physician or sleep specialist.
Where appropriate, our dental team may work with your healthcare providers to help determine whether an oral appliance could be considered.
An oral sleep appliance (sometimes called a mandibular advancement device) is worn during sleep and gently positions the lower jaw to help keep the airway more open. It is not the same as CPAP. For some patients it is a helpful option; for others, medical therapies remain the better fit.
Because grinding and sleep concerns can overlap, we may also discuss nightguards for bruxism.
What to expect
Your consultation reviews symptoms, sleep history and any sleep-study results, along with an exam of your teeth, jaw and oral structures. If oral appliance therapy is appropriate, we take records for a custom device, fit and adjust it, then follow up as you adapt.
Common questions
FAQ
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. Dentists can screen for signs and discuss options, but a formal diagnosis is generally made by a physician or sleep specialist, often after a sleep study.
What is an oral sleep appliance?
It is a custom device worn during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw to help keep the airway more open. It looks somewhat like a mouthguard and is fitted by a dental team.
Is an oral appliance the same as CPAP?
No. CPAP uses pressurized air through a mask. An oral appliance is a dental device. They are different therapies, and suitability depends on your diagnosis and medical guidance.
Who may be a candidate?
Candidates are typically identified after medical assessment. Oral appliances may be considered for selected patients with snoring or sleep apnea when a physician and dental team agree it is appropriate.
Will an oral appliance stop snoring?
Many patients notice quieter nights, but results vary. Your dentist and physician can help set realistic expectations for your situation.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Often yes — especially when sleep apnea is suspected. A sleep study helps confirm whether apnea is present and how severe it is before treatment decisions are made.
Book your appointment
Contact our Cornwall dental team to discuss snoring or sleep concerns and whether a consultation is right for you. Call (613) 932-2058 or request an appointment online at 806 Pitt Street, Cornwall, ON.