Sleep Dentistry

Cove Dental / Treatment / Sleep Dentistry

Occlusal Splints

An Occlusal splint is a specially designed mouthguard that is worn by patients during their sleep.

Suitable for adults and children, the device is beneficial for sufferers of teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism.

Designed to be worn at night, the custom made mouthguard protects the teeth from further breakdown and damage, as well as relieving the pressure on jaw joints.

There are many different designs to occlusal splints and we recommend that you have a consultation with our dentist to assess your requirements.

Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a medical condition that causes you to stop breathing during your sleep. It is characterised by pauses in breathing or shallow, infrequent breathing when sleeping. Each pause in breathing, called an apnoea, can last for several seconds to several minutes. When this occurs you may snore loudly or make choking noises when trying to breathe.

The symptoms of Sleep apnea include:

  • Frequent and loud snoring
  • Pauses in breathing
  • Choking or gasping when asleep
  • Morning headaches
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Insomnia
  • A sore throat or dry mouth upon waking
  • Frequent need to urinate during the night
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Memory or learning problems
  • Moodiness, irritability or depression


Not all patients who snore will suffer from sleep apnoea but may be at a higher risk. Definitive diagnosis of sleep apnoea can only be made by a sleep physician with an overnight sleep study.

At Cove Dental, we work with sleep physicians around Sydney to give you an accurate diagnosis first. Come and have a consultation with Dr Hills if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnoea/snoring and he can certainly guide you to the right treatment path.

Somnomed

At Cove Dental, we offer appliances for those who suffer from mild sleep apnoea and chronic snoring.

The SomnoDent is an oral device, which fits over the upper and lower teeth, like a sports mouthguard.

In the vast majority of cases, the SomnoDent is a highly effective treatment method for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring, with patients (and their families) enjoying a more restful sleep.

To discuss your treatment options, please book in for a consultation with our dentist, Dr John Hills.

Welcome to Cove Dental. Our friendly team are here to help you smile.