Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Sleep Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent clinical disorder with serious health consequences.
• Characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to symptoms like loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emerging role of dentists in diagnosing and treating OSAS.
• To introduce mandibular repositioning devices as a less invasive treatment option.

Main Methods:

• Review of current understanding of OSAS diagnosis and treatment.
• Discussion of the potential for dental interventions, specifically oral appliances.

Main Results:

• Tracheostomy can improve OSAS symptoms by bypassing airway obstruction.
• Mandibular repositioning devices offer a less invasive treatment alternative for functional OSAS.

Conclusions:

• Dentists play a growing role in managing OSAS.
• Oral appliances represent a viable, less invasive treatment for select OSAS patients.