Anxiety Control in the Dental Patient
Oral sedation with benzodiazepines and anxiolysis with nitrous oxide are 2 effective methods to help alleviate anxiety and fear of dental procedures. Many patients would prefer to have their dentistry…
General Dentistry
Sleep Study—What the Dentist Needs to Know
The intent of this article is to familiarize dental professionals with the polysomnogram (PSG). The evaluation of patients presenting with sleep disorders is complex, requiring an investigative approach that synthesizes…
Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Craniofacial and Airway Analysis
Imaging plays a role in the anatomic assessment of the airway and adjacent structures. This article discusses the use of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging (cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]) to evaluate…
Surgical Reconstruction of the Upper Airway for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Positive airway pressure can be effective for OSA treatment but is not effectively used by many patients. Surgical reconstruction of the airway is appropriate for patients who are not otherwise…
Temporomandibular Disorder Pain and Dental Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Treatment of sleep apnea with mandibular advancement devices (MADs) may be associated with the development of symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This article discusses the different types of TMD and…
Use of Portable Monitoring for Sleep-Disordered Breathing Treated with an Oral Appliance
The potential use of a portable monitor to assess the outcome of treatment with an oral appliance would ideally be performed by the dentist who is managing the patient’s sleep-disordered…
Effectiveness and Outcome of Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances (OAs) are a primary treatment option for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and are implemented as a noninvasive alternative for patients with severe OSA who…
Medical Insurance for Dental Sleep Medicine
Over the last 5 to 7 years, dental teams have mastered the art and science of processing dental insurance for their patients but have major difficulties learning how to help…
Medical Disorders Impacted by Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Normal-sleeping individuals experience a lower metabolic rate and relative cardiovascular quiescent state with lower heart rate and blood pressure that naturally occurs during sleep compared with the waking state. In…
