Evidence for dental and dental specialty treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Part 1: the adult OSA patient and Part 2: the paediatric and adolescent patient

Abstract

Until recently, obstructive sleep apnoea was a largely unknown condition. Because of the well-publicised death of some high-profile people resulting from untreated obstructive sleep apnoea, now mostly everyone has heard of the condition. Following diagnosis, several medical treatment modalities are available to patients. However, the role that dentistry and its various specialties can play in successful treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea should not be overlooked. The common causes for adult and paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea will be presented as well as a review of the more successful forms of dental treatment. Finally, a summary of the current evidence regarding obstructive sleep apnoea treatment will be presented.