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. 2023 Apr;234(7):505-509.
doi: 10.1038/s41415-023-5684-1. Epub 2023 Apr 14.

How can general dental practitioners help in the management of sleep apnoea?

David Parmenter  1 , Brian J Millar  2
Affiliations

How can general dental practitioners help in the management of sleep apnoea?

David Parmenter et al. Br Dent J. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

This article discusses the aetiology, prevalence and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and highlights the important role general dental practitioners can perform in improving the quality of life of patients suffering from OSA. Clinical and laboratory stages of making a mandibular advancement appliance are also highlighted.Members of the dental team have a duty of care to our patients. The earlier undiagnosed cases of OSA are referred for treatment, the less morbidity and potential mortality endured by patients.After reading this article, the reader should have a greater understanding of OSA, how to identify symptoms of the condition in patients and be confident in referring patients to appropriate healthcare professionals.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a) Intercuspal position. b) Mandibular protrusion without straining. c) Practising using the orthodontic bite fork, recording the patient's protruded jaw position. d) The final jaw registration using silicone bite registration paste to record adjacent tooth contacts to help the lab articulate the models
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a) Superior fitting surface showing the groove for the maxillary incisor. b) The inferior surface and lower incisor grooves. c) Side profile of the bite fork showing the three potential positions the lower incisors can be seated into for different amounts of protrusion
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a) The casts are embedded in stainless steel granules to avoid stretching of the material during push down which would stretch the material and result in occlusal thinning. b) Untrimmed, maxillary splint. c) Thermosoftening material being pre-heated to its working temperature. d) The softened disk cooling off after being pushed down onto the maxillary cast
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
a) Maxillary and mandibular models held in position with the bite registration. b) Side on view of the mounted casts. c) Front on view of mounted casts. d) Side view of mounted casts
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
a) Hot glue being applied in posterior areas before the casts are brought together. b) Side view of added glue. c) Front view illustrating the space left for sufficient airflow
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Mouth taping.
    Quigley J. Quigley J. Br Dent J. 2023 Jun;234(12):845. doi: 10.1038/s41415-023-6039-7. Epub 2023 Jun 23. Br Dent J. 2023. PMID: 37349419 No abstract available.
  • Implantable pacemaker for tongue-neuromodulation.
    Kaur N, Kaur Mann S. Kaur N, et al. Br Dent J. 2023 Jul;235(2):79-80. doi: 10.1038/s41415-023-6140-y. Epub 2023 Jul 28. Br Dent J. 2023. PMID: 37500838 No abstract available.
  • RME and OSA.
    Evelyn R N, Deepanjali M, Sridharan G. Evelyn R N, et al. Br Dent J. 2024 Jun;236(11):858. doi: 10.1038/s41415-024-7515-4. Epub 2024 Jun 14. Br Dent J. 2024. PMID: 38877232 No abstract available.

References

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