Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Area of Science:

• Sleep Medicine
• Otolaryngology
• Dental Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent and serious health concern affecting millions worldwide.
• Many individuals with OSAS remain undiagnosed, and diagnosed patients often struggle with adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
• Surgical interventions offer an alternative or adjunct treatment for OSAS when conservative methods are insufficient or poorly tolerated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide dentists with information to identify patients with OSAS.
• To elucidate various surgical procedures available for treating OSAS.
• To empower dentists in guiding patients toward informed treatment decisions regarding surgical options.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on OSAS diagnosis and surgical management.
• Analysis of different surgical techniques targeting various upper airway obstruction sites.
• Discussion of the role of dentists in the multidisciplinary OSAS treatment approach.

Main Results:

• Detailed assessment of common obstruction sites in OSAS.
• Overview of established and emerging surgical procedures for OSAS.
• Emphasis on the importance of early identification and appropriate referral by dental professionals.

Conclusions:

• Dentists play a crucial role in the early detection of OSAS.
• Understanding surgical options is vital for comprehensive patient counseling and management.
• This review equips dental practitioners with knowledge to address OSAS treatment complexities.