Diagnosis and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: Fundamental and clinical knowledge in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Purpose: This review article covers the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) from a dental perspective. It addresses the issue of when and how to screen for and then, if indicated, refer the patient for a more comprehensive.

Study selection: Our focus in this article was on identifying current unanswered questions that relevant to OSA problems that dental scientists have to pursue and on providing valuable information on that problems, consequently the previous studies which investigated or reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of OSA were included. In addition, we included studies on jaw movements during sleep and on the use of a lateral cephalometric film related to the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Results: The role of portable sleep monitoring devices versus full laboratory polysomnography is discussed. This review also describes what is known about the efficacy of mandibular advancement devices and when and how they fit in to a treatment program for a patient with obstructive sleep apnea. Finally some basic research is presented on jaw movements during sleep and how a lateral cephalometric film can be used to assess the changes of the airway with body posture and head posture.

Conclusion: This article provides the valuable suggestions for the clinical questions in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Keywords: Cephalometric image; Diagnosis; Jaw movements; Obstructive sleep apnea; Treatment.