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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Selkirk
Oral appliances may help some people with diagnosed sleep apnea. Selkirk patients can learn how dental care works alongside their physician in Port Dover.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsWorking alongside your physician
Diagnosis comes first, then the right appliance.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, disrupting breathing and rest. It is a medical condition diagnosed through a sleep study arranged by a physician. For some people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, a custom oral appliance may be part of treatment.
If you live in Selkirk and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or your physician has suggested an oral appliance, the dentist at our Port Dover office can assess whether your teeth and jaw are suitable. Dental care in this area works in coordination with your physician rather than replacing medical follow-up.
Recognizing the problem
Sleep apnea needs a medical diagnosis.
Symptoms to discuss with your doctor
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing noticed by a partner, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating can be signs of sleep apnea. High blood pressure and other health conditions may be associated. If you notice these symptoms, speak with your physician, who can decide whether a sleep assessment is needed.
Why a sleep study matters
A sleep study measures breathing, oxygen levels and other factors overnight to diagnose sleep apnea and its severity. This information guides treatment decisions. A dentist cannot diagnose sleep apnea, and an oral appliance should not be made for suspected sleep apnea without proper medical assessment. Bring your sleep study results to the dental consultation.
Oral appliance therapy
Appliances reposition the jaw during sleep.
What the appliance does
Most oral appliances for sleep apnea work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward, which can help keep the airway more open. They are custom-made from impressions or scans of your teeth and worn only at night. The degree of advancement can often be adjusted over time to find a balance between effectiveness and comfort.
Who may be suitable
Oral appliances may be considered for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for people who cannot use CPAP. Suitability depends on having enough healthy teeth to hold the appliance, healthy gums and jaw joints, and the ability to move the jaw forward. The dentist will examine these factors and discuss them with you.
Fitting and adjustment
Several visits help fine-tune the appliance.
Records and fabrication
The dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints and may take X-rays. Impressions or scans and bite records are taken to create the appliance. The dentist will explain how it works, how it will feel and what side effects to watch for. Your physician’s recommendations guide the overall treatment plan.
Fitting and titration
At the fitting, the dentist checks comfort and fit and shows you how to use and clean the appliance. Over several weeks, the position may be gradually adjusted. A follow-up sleep study or medical review is often recommended to confirm the appliance is effective. Communication between your dentist and physician is important throughout.
Long-term care
Ongoing monitoring helps protect your teeth and health.
Possible side effects
Some people experience jaw soreness, tooth tenderness, excess saliva or dry mouth, especially at first. Over time, oral appliances may cause changes in the bite. Report any persistent discomfort or bite changes. The dentist may suggest exercises, adjustments or a morning repositioning device to help reduce these effects over the long term.
Regular reviews
Attend regular dental checkups so the appliance, teeth and jaw can be monitored. Bring the appliance to each visit. Continue follow-up with your physician to confirm the sleep apnea remains controlled. If symptoms such as snoring or daytime sleepiness return, let both your dentist and physician know so the plan can be reviewed.
Planning your appointment
Starting appliance therapy from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office after you have a sleep apnea diagnosis or a physician’s recommendation. Mention your diagnosis so the team can book an appropriate consultation.
Bring your sleep study results, your physician’s contact information and a list of your medications to the first appointment.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Sleep apnea appliance questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep study arranged by a physician. A dentist may notice signs and suggest you speak with your doctor, and can help with oral appliance therapy once a diagnosis has been made.
Is an oral appliance as good as CPAP?
CPAP is often the first-line treatment, particularly for severe sleep apnea. Oral appliances may be suitable for mild to moderate cases or people who cannot tolerate CPAP. Your physician and dentist can discuss which option fits your situation.
Will an oral appliance change my bite?
Over time, some people notice bite changes. Regular dental checkups help monitor this. The dentist may suggest exercises or a morning device to reduce the effect. Report any changes in how your teeth fit together promptly.
How long does it take to get used to the appliance?
Many people adjust within a few weeks. Jaw soreness, extra saliva or tooth tenderness are common initially and often improve. Gradual adjustments may help. Contact the office if discomfort persists or makes it hard to wear the appliance.
Do I still need to see my doctor?
Yes. Ongoing medical follow-up is important to confirm the appliance is controlling your sleep apnea. A follow-up sleep study may be recommended. Your dentist and physician should work together throughout treatment.
Related sleep and appliance care
Additional Services →Snoring Appliances →
A custom oral appliance may reduce snoring for some people, once sleep apnea has been ruled out. Selkirk patients can ask about suitability in Port Dover.
Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is made from your own impressions to help protect teeth from grinding. Selkirk patients can be fitted at our Port Dover office.