Categories: Free Dental CEOnline Dental CE

Screening and Treating Sleep Apnea: The Evidence of What Works

Provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)

Course Overview
Learning Objectives
Lecture Topics
Key Takeaways for Dentists
Meet the Speaker
Additional Course Information

Course Overview

This lecture, provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), focuses on evaluating the current evidence surrounding screening tools and treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring. Given the variety of approaches available, it helps dentists navigate claims made about treatments such as orthodontics, frenectomy, maxillomandibular advancement, and myofunctional therapy. The goal is to ensure that practitioners can confidently offer effective, evidence-based care.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Recognize the multifactorial causes of sleep-related breathing disorders.
Analyze the current scientific evidence supporting different screening tools and treatments.
Make informed clinical decisions based on validated treatment options.

Lecture Topics

Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea

Orthodontics plays a crucial role in managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly in children. Non-surgical approaches such as maxillary expansion and functional appliances can improve airway dimensions and reduce symptoms. For adults, orthodontic treatments may be combined with oral appliance therapy or even surgical interventions like orthognathic surgery to provide relief from OSA.

Frenectomy and Sleep Apnea

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that releases the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth). In cases of tongue-tie, limited tongue mobility may contribute to airway obstruction, worsening sleep apnea. A frenectomy, often followed by myofunctional therapy, can improve tongue posture, reduce airway blockages, and enhance sleep quality.

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA), also called double-jaw surgery, is a surgical treatment for severe OSA. It involves advancing both the upper and lower jaws to increase airway space. This procedure is often recommended for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy and need a permanent solution for sleep apnea.

Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy consists of exercises designed to strengthen the tongue and oral muscles. By retraining tongue posture and improving airway stability, it can help reduce OSA symptoms. This therapy is a non-invasive approach that can be combined with other treatments to enhance sleep quality.

Key Takeaways for Dentists

Focus on Evidence-Based Practices: Ensure all treatment recommendations are supported by strong clinical evidence.
Collaborate with Specialists: Work closely with sleep medicine experts for optimal patient care.
Educate Patients: Help patients understand the benefits and limitations of various sleep apnea treatments.

Meet the Speaker: Dr. Aaron Glick

Aaron Glick, DDS, D.ABDSM is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry and Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and has published research in multiple medical and dental journals. Dr. Glick has been a member of the AADSM Scientific Committee for three years and lectures nationally on dental sleep medicine.