Oral Appliance Therapy for the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

In recent years, the medical profession has begun to recognize the role of sleep hygiene as it pertains to patient health. Types of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) include snoring, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea and a mix of obstructive and central apnea. OSA is the most common category of SDB. The apneas are now known affect cardiovascular health and neuro-behavioral issues. In recent years, the dental profession has become involved in managing snoring and certain OSA problems using oral appliance therapy (OAT). This treatment by dentists is now well accepted by the medical profession. This paper will review the basics of OSA, and how the dentist may be involved in providing OAT for these patients.