Dental Sleep Medicine is a branch of dentistry focused on the complementary diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders, particularly:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Chronic snoring
This discipline lies at the intersection of dentistry and sleep medicine and is based on the fact that the position of the jaw, tongue, teeth, and craniofacial structure directly influences airway patency during sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep. These breathing interruptions reduce sleep quality and can have significant health consequences, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, while also significantly impacting patient’s quality of life.
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Short neck or narrow airway
- Mandibular retrognathia
- Nocturnal bruxism
- Dental wear associated with sleep apnea
Following a thorough review of the patient’s medical and dental history, we conduct a sleep study using home respiratory polysomnography to assess the frequency and severity of apnea episodes.
Our unit offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary clinical approach, working in coordination with sleep medicine specialists to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment based on rigorous medical criteria.
The primary treatment in Dental Sleep Medicine involves the use of custom-made Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). These intraoral appliances maintain the jaw in a controlled forward position during sleep, promoting airway opening and significantly reducing apnea episodes and snoring.
In cases of severe apnea, patients are referred to a medical specialist for the use of CPAP therapy.
Sleep apnea may lead to:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Fatigue and concentration difficulties
- Depression
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Risk of stroke
- Sudden death
Dental Sleep Medicine represents one of the most innovative areas in modern dentistry, allowing dentists to play a direct role in improving patients’ overall health by enhancing sleep quality, general wellbeing, and daily performance.
