Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Moderate-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in the general population, particularly between ages 50 and 70. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a major public health concern presenting a high associated risk for hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and motor vehicle accidents. The dentist should always evaluate for the presence of risk factors in patients with any signs of SDB. PSG is the gold standard for the diagnosis of OSA and sleep disorders. The CPAP device is still considered the most effective therapeutic approach for the management of SDB in both adults and children; however, their side effects and low adherence make clinicians look for alternative…