Comprehensive treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: The role of department of dentistry in sleep clinic

ABSTRACT

The etiology of the obstructive sleep apnea includes the various factors such as anatomical abnormality in upper airway, craniofacial structure, obesity and personal habit. To establish reasonable treatment plan, multi-department approach is should be emphasized because the treatment modality is depend on the result of analysis for degree and site of obstruction and various behavioral factors. In Sleep Clinic in Keimyung University Medical Center, the standard of care for sleep apnea patient was established according to the Standard of practice committee of Americal Sleep Disorders Association. After one year experience of comprehensive approach for sleep apnea we could achieve following recommendation for the treatment. 1) The multi-department examination and diagnosis could prevent unnessesary treatment because the treatment plan could be established under comprehensive discussion. 2) Determination of the site of obstruction is important for treatment planning. However, no single determinant could be found. We expect multi-department approach can reduce the mistake in detection of obstruction. 3) Further evaluation of treatmet outcome should be succeeded to establish Korean standard of care for sleep apnea treatment.