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Respiratory impact of complete dentures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A randomized, controlled, crossover
Maria Eduarda Lemos Avelino1, Taciana Emília Leite Vila-Nova2, Paulo Silveira Cardoso Ferreira3
1PhD student, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, Brazil.
Statement Of Problem:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often more severe in edentulous individuals because of reduced pharyngeal support, which may increase airway collapsibility. Although complete dentures restore the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and oral function, they may also influence upper airway morphology. The impact of removable complete dentures on respiratory function in OSA remains unclear.
Purpose:
The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the effect of bimaxillary removable complete dentures on respiratory function and upper airway morphology in patients with OSA.
Material And Methods:
A randomized, controlled, crossover clinical trial was conducted with 12 edentulous participants diagnosed with OSA. Spirometry and computed tomography (CT) were performed under 2 conditions: with complete dentures (WD) and without complete dentures (WOD). Primary spirometric outcomes included forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75%) and forced expiratory time at 100% (FET100%). CT scans measured upper airway volume and hyoid bone position. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), oxygen saturation (SpO₂%), and respiratory rate were also recorded. Data were analyzed using paired t tests and the Pearson correlation (α=.05).
Results:
FEF25-75% and PEF were significantly higher in the WD condition (P=.004 and P=.014). Upper airway and hypopharyngeal volumes increased with complete dentures (P=.016 and P=.030), and the hyoid bone was displaced downward (P=.004). No significant differences were found in AHI, SpO₂%, or respiratory rate. Upper airway volume was positively correlated with expiratory flow (r=.665, P=.036).
Conclusions:
Removable complete dentures improved expiratory airflow and increased upper airway volume in edentulous patients with OSA.
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