Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance

Kim,  Ji Rak

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 57(5); 2019 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2019;57(5):288-295.
Published online May 31, 2019.

구강 내 장치를 활용한 코골이 및 수면무호흡증의 치료

김지락

대가가톨릭대학교 의과대학 치과학교실 구강내과

Treatment of Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance

Ji Rak Kim

Department of Dentistry and Oral medicine School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu

Abstract

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is defined as a disturbed breathing during sleep caused by repetitive upper airway collapse. Complete collapse causes a cessation of breathing, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring can arise from partial collapse. Undiagnosed and untreated OSA means recurrent intermittent hypoxemia and leads to a variety of cardiovascular disorders, disturbed neurocognition, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Various behavioral modalities have been suggested for treating snoring and sleep apnea including changing the sleep position, avoiding alcohol, and weight loss. Until now continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is one of effective treatment for patients with OSA, but its discomfort causes less tolerance and compliance. Therefore, clinical effectiveness and convenience for oral appliance have emerged and the role of dentists has become more important in the management of OSA.

Key Words: Snoring;Obstructive sleep apnea;Oral appliance;Dentist;