Sleep Apnoea and its Prosthodontic Management

Sleep Apnoea is one of the major sleep disorders, which commonly occurs in male gender and middle age. Out of its two major forms, obstructive sleep Apnoea (OSA) is most common. OSA occurs due to obstruction in airway while CSA occurs due to problem in conduction of impulses. Its symptoms are daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, snoring, disorientation upon waking, poor judgment, nocturia. Clinician can diagnose it on the basis of symptoms and some tests like polysomnography. A dentist may also help in diagnosing by seeing the following signs; greater neck circumference, excess fat deposition in palate and tongue, retro positioned maxilla and mandible. Its prognosis varies according to its severity and its complications. Only medicinal treatment cannot cure the sleep Apnoea, so multidisciplinary approach like mechanical ventilation & occlusal appliances is required for the better prognosis. Therefore, the dental professionals have a significant role to play in the early diagnosis, management and care of patients suffering from sleep Apnoea.