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Mandibular Distalisation for Tooth Wear in Patients Requiring Mandibular Protrusion for Sleep Apnoea
1Clinical Professor of Dental Education, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, UK.
Summary
Mandibular distalization for tooth wear may risk worsening obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This dental treatment alters airway patency, posing a potential threat to patients with or at risk for OSA. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Dental Medicine
- Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Pathological tooth wear is a growing concern requiring occlusal rehabilitation, often involving mandibular distalization.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is treated with mandibular advancement appliances.
- A potential conflict exists for patients with both conditions where treatments may be contradictory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential risk of mandibular distalization for tooth wear negatively impacting patients with OSA.
- To explore the theoretical implications of dental treatment on airway patency in OSA patients.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using keywords related to OSA (sleep apnea, AHI, Epworth score) and tooth wear (TSL, distalization, centric relation).
Main Results:
- No studies were identified that specifically examined the effect of mandibular distalization on OSA.
- The literature search did not yield direct evidence on the interaction between these conditions.
Conclusions:
- There is a theoretical risk that mandibular distalization in dental rehabilitation may adversely affect patients with OSA.
- Modification of airway patency by mandibular repositioning could worsen OSA.
- Further research is recommended to assess this potential risk.
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