Dental Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Book excerpt: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a very common disorder, affecting a large percentage of the population. Often undiagnosed, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, arterial hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic medical conditions. Dentists with expertise in sleep medicine can easily identify signs and symptoms of OSA, facilitate referral, and provide effective treatments in collaboration with medical providers. This text aims to provide an overview of relevant topics to dentists who want to include sleep medicine in their clinical practice.The first part of the book is dedicated to the description and diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. The second part discusses different therapeutic options for treating sleep-disordered breathing. The site of airway obstruction, BMI, craniofacial anatomy, and sleep position of the patient provide crucial data, informing the most suitable therapeutic options and the conditions under whichthey can be employed. The last chapter describes cases that illustrate the clinical approach adopted to select patients with OSAS from the first medical consultation to follow-up. Here the authors showcase the different steps in a multidisciplinary approach for the management of patients affected by OSAS.Strengths:The approach to the patient is presented methodically beginning with the symptomatology of the disorder, diagnostic criteria and challenges, clinicalassessment methods, and decision process for treatment.Clinical cases and practical operational cards.The therapeutic modalities for OSA are described in detail, both medical and surgical, and how they are adapted to the patient