The role of oral physicians in predicting the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: A case-control study

Abstract

PurposeObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical disorder with serious complications if untreated. Dentists play a vital role in the early diagnosis of this condition, thereby improving patients' prognoses. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with a high risk of OSA using simple cephalometric measurements in patients receiving routine dental care.Materials and MethodsThe present study was conducted on 206 patients divided into a high-risk group and a control group after answering the Berlin questionnaire. Cephalometric analysis of a digital cephalogram was performed to measure the upper airway diameter (UAD) and mandibular-to-hyoid bone distance (MP-H) by 2 observers at 2 different times.ResultsAmong 206 patients, 93 (45%) were included in the high-risk group and 113 (55%) were in the control group. No significant difference was present between the groups with regard to gender, and the patients ranged in age from 18 to 65 years. The UAD measurements in the high-risk group were significantly lower than in the control group, and the MP-H measurements were significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the control group. The UAD was lower in middle-aged patients in both groups.ConclusionOur study found that the UAD was lower in individuals with a high risk of OSA. Also, we found that middle-aged individuals of both genders were more likely to develop OSA. Dentists play a vital role in diagnosing patients at a high risk for OSA via thorough clinical examinations, risk factor analyses, and simple cephalometric analyses.

Potential of Panoramic Radiography as a Screening Method for Oral Hypofunction in the Evaluation of Hyoid Bone Position

“…The position of the hyoid bone has also been discussed in studies of obstructive sleep apnea OSA . A number of these studies have reported that an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone and an increased distance from the mandibular plane to the hyoid bone are commonly observed in OSA patients [27][28][29][30] . It might therefore be possible to evaluate the position of the hyoid bone using panoramic radiography as a means of screening not only for oral frailty but also for OSA.…”

Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea among Dental Fraternity in Riyadhof OSA (Ostructive Sleep Apnea ) among dental fraternity in Riyadh

“…Untreated OSA can cause many medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive dysfunction and depression [4]. It leads to tiredness, anxiety, depression, daytime sleepiness, also with increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and impairment of function in those who have it [2], [3], [4], [5]. The snoring noise can cause serious marital and social problems as well.…”

“…Thorough clinical evaluation using a basic questionnaire helps us to diagnose the condition at an early stage, to successfully manage the patient [4]. Dentists can play a vital role in detecting, advising, referring and treating OSA patients [5], [6].…”

“…Dentists can play a vital role in detecting, advising, referring and treating OSA patients [5], [6]. Previous studies proved the competence of simple modern imaging techniques which are promising in identifying the disease process at an initial phase [2], [4]. Treatment of OSA is governed by the severity of symptoms, degree of clinical complications, and aetiology of upper airway obstruction.…”

The Role of Dentists in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Consensus and Controversy

“…As part of routine dental examinations, dentists can recognize a small upper airway and other anatomic risk factors for OSA, and use the opportunity to identify potential patients through use of simple screening questions and/or questionnaires. 11 This can help reduce the problem of under-diagnosis of OSA. 12 The diagnosis of OSA, however, should be reserved for physicians, especially sleep specialists, whose training prepares them to explore the interaction of OSA with other medical diagnoses.…”